Ireland player ratings vs New Zealand after their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against the All Blacks in Paris.
New Zealand saw off a late siege to triumph 28-24 as Ireland suffered an eighth Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat at Stade de France on Saturday.
Leicester Fainga’anuku’s try helped the All Blacks race into a 13-0 lead before centre Bundee Aki danced his way over for Ireland. Ardie Savea responded but Jamison Gibson-Park’s try, with Aaron Smith in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, saw their lead cut to 18-17 at half-time.
Will Jordan bagged his fifth try of the tournament but a penalty try, with hooker Codie Taylor also getting a yellow card, saw Ireland again get within one point.
Centre Jordie Barrett then kicked a penalty before New Zealand held on in the closing minutes despite 37 phases of Irish attacks to set-up a semi-final with Argentina at Stade de France on Friday, 20 October.
Scroll down for Ireland player ratings vs New Zealand.
Scorers:
Ireland: 24
- Tries: Bundee Aki (27′), Jamison Gibson-Park (39′), Penalty Try (64′)
- Cons: Johnny Sexton (29′, 40′)
- Pens: ohnny Sexton (22′)
New Zealand: 28
- Tries: Leicester Fainga’anuku (19′), Ardie Savea (33′), Will Jordan (53′)
- Cons: Richie Mo’unga (21′), Jordie Barrett (54′)
- Pens: Richie Mo’unga (8′), Jordie Barrett (14′, 69′)
Ireland stats vs New Zealand:
Metres: James Lowe – 77
Defenders beaten: Bundee Aki – 7
Tackles: Josh van der Flier – 17
Tackles missed: Josh van der Flier – 3
Turnovers won: Caelan Doris – 1
Clean breaks: Hugo Keenan – 2
Ireland player ratings vs New Zealand:
1 Andrew Porter 5
Penalised in an early scrum, as his hips were too wide in the pack. A big hit on Will Jordan on the 20th phase, as Ireland defended strong. Couldn’t support Doris in time for his carry, as the number eight was isolated, and Porter couldn’t stop Savea’s turnover. Penalised twice more in the scrum for the same offence, in a performance he would want to forget in the pack. (Off – David Kilcoyne 75 minutes)
2 Dan Sheehan 6.5
A great effort to fight for a turnover at the breakdown in the 24th minute, and forced two All Blacks off the ball. A big tackle on Will Jordan, which took the wind out of New Zealand’s sails. Unwanted poor start to the line-outs. Narrowly missed Hansen’s cross field kick for a try opportunity, and was caught out by Richie Mo’unga’s line break for Jordan’s try. Line-out improved in the second half, and threw the key dart for the penalty try. (Replaced by Ronan Kelleher – 64 minutes).
3 Tadhg Furlong 5
A performance that was not up to his best. The tighthead was a step away from the pace, and the relentless tempo of the match took it’s toll on the prop. His best performance came in the scrum, yet he was let down by his propping partner’s repeated offences. (Replaced 52 – Finlay Bealham).
4 Tadhg Beirne 6
Gave away a penalty from the off for not rolling away, and was frustrated by the lack of line-out success in the first half. Nice passing, as he looped the ball back round to the midfield options, with All Blacks sizing up shots on him. Drew space very well, and was better in the air in the second half. Physicality improved despite the tired legs in the latter stages.
5 Iain Henderson 6
Hard early hits on New Zealand’s props, Henderson put in shot after shot in the first half. Presented an option at the line-out, but the set-piece struggled under the All Blacks pressure. Exposed in a carry, with Savea over the top to turn the ball over. Like Beirne, the line-out improved in the second half. (Off: Joe McCarthy – 58 minutes).
6 Peter O’Mahony 7
Missed the first line-out as Sheehan and co failed to get a solid set-piece established. However, the Munster man took charge and shortened a 5-man line-out with greater success. Knocked on a high ball in a try scoring area, with Mo’unga claiming the ball. Muscled his way over the gain-line for the hard yards until the very end.