Ireland v New Zealand LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 score and result as All Blacks win epic quarter-final

Ireland have been knocked out of the World Cup following a 28-24 quarter-final defeat to New Zealand at Stade de France.

The momentum of a tight match shifted in Ireland’s favour in the second half when they were awarded a penalty try after Codie Taylor collapsed a maul, bringing themselves back to within a point and their cause was further boosted when the All Blacks hooker was sin-binned for his infringement.

But 14-man New Zealand opened up a four-point cushion five minutes later when Jordie Barrett – who had missed a long-range attempt moments later – kicked a penalty from the 40-metre line.

Ireland, who had been playing catch-up for the majority of an exhilarating encounter, were unable to find the try they needed in the closing stages as the All Blacks held on to seal a 28-24 win and set up a last-four meeting with Argentina next Friday.

Follow all the reaction from Paris below, get all the latest Rugby World Cup odds here.

Ireland vs New Zealand live

• Ireland take on New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals

• Argentina await winner in semi-finals after seeing off Wales

• Penalty! Ireland 0-3 New Zealand (Mo’unga)

• Penalty! Ireland 0-6 New Zealand (J Barrett)

• Try! Ireland 0-13 New Zealand (Fainga’anuku)

• Penalty! Ireland 3-13 New Zealand (Sexton)

• Try! Ireland 10-13 New Zealand (Aki)

• Try! Ireland 10-18 New Zealand (Savea)

• Yellow card! New Zealand (Smith)

• Try! Ireland 17-18 New Zealand (Gibson-Park)

• Half-time: Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

• Try! Ireland 17-25 New Zealand (Jordan)

• Penalty try and yellow card! Ireland 24-25 New Zealand (Taylor)

• Penalty! Ireland 24-28 New Zealand (J Barrett)

• Full-time! Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

Thirty-seven phases of agony define Ireland’s greatest heartbreak as curse continues

22:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

This time was supposed to be different. This Ireland team were different… Are different. But, come the end, the result was the same. On quarter-final weekend, for the eighth time in 10 Rugby World Cups, Ireland head home defeated and the wait for a first-ever knockout win goes on.

By Luke Baker in Paris:

Thirty-seven phases of agony define Ireland’s greatest World Cup heartbreak

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton

22:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

“I’m very proud of the boys, the nation, the country. We couldn’t have done any more really. We got over the line towards the end [but couldn’t get the try]. We felt like they suckerpunched us for some of their tries and we had to work hard for our opportunities. But that’s what great champions do.”

On retiring: “It’s been amazing, these last six weeks have been a dream. This group, these fans, and I’m just gutted we couldn’t do it for them. You’ve got to work for fairytale endings, and we didn’t get it. That’s life. We didn’t leave any stone unturned. We trained the house down. Fair play to the All Blacks, they’re a very good team.”

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster

22:24 , Lawrence Ostlere

“They’re an incredibly proud team with an incredible record coming into this one,” he says of Ireland. “But we’ve been here before. It’s knockout rugby. I thought our defence was particularly strong most of the game, we held out well.”

On facing Argentina in the semi-finals: “It’s a cliche but it’s one week at a time. This game has been talked about for 12 months, everyone knew the two quarter-finals on our side of the draw would be monsters, I’m sure the game tomorrow night will be.”

Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

22:20 , Lawrence Ostlere

How it all finished at the Stade de France:

Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

22:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

Brian O’Driscoll pinpoints Sexton’s missed kick in the second half – a very makeable one – as the moment the fly-half will look back on with regret. Had he made it then Ireland might have been chasing a penalty or a drop-goal in the final throes, rather than a try. “You never blame kickers but that’s the moment, knowing Johnny, he’ll look back and think about.”

Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

22:07 , Lawrence Ostlere

Johnny Sexton finished the game furious with someone, or something, though it was hard to tell exactly who or what. Now he is lapping the pitch applauding fans with tears in his eyes. A hard way to end his spectacular career, but he and his team gave it everything tonight.

Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

22:03 , Lawrence Ostlere

The faces of the Irish players are full of anguish, because they know that was such a huge a chance missed. Had Jordie Barrett not held the ball up over the try line in the final 10 minutes, Ireland surely would have won the match.

“A big testatment to the Irish team, they’ve set the standard this year,” says Ardie Savea, the player of the match. “Sending big love to them. I’m just so proud of my boys.”

Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

22:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

So it will be New Zealand v Argentina in the first semi-final, next Friday. For Ireland, the dream is over for another four years.

Full-time: Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Sean Fitzpatrick on ITV: “I’m lost for words. I knew the All Blacks had a game in them, but the way they delivered and put pressure on Ireland, that was the difference.”

Full-time! Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

Finally, finally, referee Wayne Barnes gives New Zealand a penalty after an Irish ball-carrier holds on too long. Everybody sinks to their knees, Ireland in devastation, New Zealand in relief. It’s all over.

Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

80 min: In to overtime. Thirty phases now, Ireland still trying to break through, New Zealand still defending with incredible discipline. Finally Ireland breach the 22...

Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

79 min: Twenty phases and counting! Ireland still aren’t inside the 22. This is incredible defence by New Zealand, who refuse to budge.

Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

78 min: Ireland go through phases, they look exhausted. They are edging towards the 22...

Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

77 min: Ireland come at New Zealand with time running out. The All Blacks are defending brilliantly, though, and Taylor is back on the pitch after his yellow card.

Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

75 min: Mo’unga tries a kick to the corner for Will Jordan to chase, but it bounces kindly for an Irish defender to collect and touch down behind his own line, and Ireland will kick from the 22.

Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

73 min: New Zealand carry the ball over the halfway line and work through phase after phase before kicking high. Jimmy O’Brien catches it, but he’s thrown into touch and New Zealand will have an attacking lineout.

Ireland 24-28 New Zealand

21:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

70 min: Excellent by Murray, who kicks opportunistically into the corner, and then by Bundee Aki, who stays on his feet at the ruck to earn an Irish penalty. Ireland opt for the lineout and from there they surge over the try line, but Jordie Barrett does brilliantly to get a limb under the ball and hold it up – no try.

Penalty! Ireland 24-28 New Zealand (J Barrett)

21:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

68 min: Barrett misses! He pulls his kick across the posts and just wide. Sexton has a 22-kick and boots downfield.

But a moment later New Zealand have another penalty when replacement Conor Murray is adjudged to have blocked the opposing catcher under a high ball. Barrett will try again, from a more central position, and he makes this one.

Ireland 24-25 New Zealand

21:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

65 min: New Zealand have a scrum, and they are happy as Wayne Barnes fiddles with the setup, which is running down the clock on Taylor’s sin bin. The All Blacks win the penalty too, as Andrew Porter is penalised again for failing to drive straight. Jordie Barrett will kick for the posts from long distance...

Penalty try and yellow card! Ireland 24-25 New Zealand (Taylor)

21:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

64 min: Ireland catch and drive and New Zealand’s pack crumbles! Wayne Barnes awards a penalty try as New Zealand drags down the maul. Seven points, and Codie Taylor is shown yellow for his role. New Zealand are back down to 14 players. A huge moment.

Ireland 17-25 New Zealand

21:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

62 min: Ireland come forwards once more – they are doing all the attacking but New Zealand’s defence is proving defiant... until a tackler fails to roll away. Penalty, Ireland. Sexton kicks to the corner and the Irish have a threatening lineout. Can they get this crucial set-piece right?

Ireland 17-25 New Zealand

21:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

60 min: Sexton tries a crafty kick over the New Zealand defence but it only serves to giving up the ball. That smacked of desperation.

Ireland 17-25 New Zealand

21:23 , Lawrence Ostlere

58 min: A rare miss! The kick was on a slight angle but that was one you would expect Johnny Sexton to make. How crucial will that moment prove? Ireland remain two scores behind.

Ireland 17-25 New Zealand

21:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

57 min: Now then. Ireland get a penalty after the New Zealand tackler fails to roll away on the floor. What will Sexton choose – posts and three potential points, or the corner and the chance of a try?

He opts for the posts...

Ireland 17-25 New Zealand

21:18 , Lawrence Ostlere

55 min: Ireland have a lot of work to do now. They surge down the right and force Beauden Barrett to kick hurriedly clear for an Irish lineout on the New Zealand 22. First, though, Mack Hansen is down with a familiar right leg injury and that is his match done, it seems. Clock stopped.

Try! Ireland 17-25 New Zealand (Jordan)

21:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

53 min: Brilliant by Mo-unga, who sells a couple of Irish forwards a dummy before breaking through the line and surging clear! As he reaches the 22, he flicks a pass to Will Jordan, and everyone knows what is going to happen as the rapid winger zooms to the corner to score.

Jordie Barrett makes a tough kick, too.

Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

21:13 , Lawrence Ostlere

51 min: Ireland steal the ball! They go flying up the pitch with James Lowe, but it all breaks down in the All Blacks’ 22 where an Irish ball-carrier doesn’t release and concedes a penalty.

Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

21:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

49 min: It’s New Zealand’s turn to apply some sustained pressure, as they gradually get over the gain line and push Ireland further and further back, first into their own half and now into their 22...

Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

21:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

46 min: Another attempted Irish kick to the corner sets hooker Dan Sheehan charging after it, but he can’t collect the high bouncing ball and the All Blacks survive.

Aaron Smith is back on the field and New Zealand are back up to 15 players.

Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

21:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

44 min: Ireland don’t make the most of the opportunity, trying a high kick to the corner for Peter O’Mahony, who knocks on attempting the high catch. Smith only has 45 seconds left in the sin bin and perhaps that was a chance to put on some pressure on the remaining 14 All Blacks.

Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

21:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

43 min: A kicking exchange ends with Ireland picking up a loose ball and attacking down the right wing. Mack Hansen pulls off an unlikely 50-22 and Ireland will have a lineout in New Zealand territory...

Kick-off! Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

21:02 , Lawrence Ostlere

Peeeep! The second half is under way.

Half-time: Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

20:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

Speaking on ITV, Brian O’Driscoll says he thought Aaron Smith’s yellow card for denying a try-scoring opportunity with a deliberate knock-on was a little bit harsh. Certainly there was some cover for New Zealand and it was by no means a certain Irish try, but these things are subjective and referee Wayne Barnes didn’t seem in any doubt.

Half-time: Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

20:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

That was a joy to watch – both teams played some amazing rugby.

New Zealand started quickly, attacking the breakdown and forcing early penalties, before Beauden Barrett’s piece of genius – a clever kick over the Irish defence – which set up a beautiful try in the corner by Leicester Fainga’anuku. Ireland grew into the half and finished as the stronger side, with tries by Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park. Aaron Smith’s yellow card means Ireland will have several minutes at the start of the second half with a player advantage, too.

Half-time: Ireland 17-18 New Zealand

20:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

Breathless stuff at the Stade de France. A solitary point separates them.

Try! Ireland 17-18 New Zealand (Gibson-Park)

20:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

39 min: Sexton’s attacking gamble pays off! Ireland collect the lineout and create a maul. From there, scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park darts for the line, throwing a dummy pass before finding a gap and diving over the try line.

Sexton kicks the two.

Yellow card! New Zealand (Smith)

20:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

36 min: Ireland are awarded a penalty in the All Blacks’ half for a deliberate knock-on, and TMO checks whether Aaron Smith was stopping a scoring opportunity... he was, and he’s shown a yellow card! Ten minutes in the sin bin.

Sexton was going to kick for the posts and three points, but now he wants more and he kicks to the corner for a lineout instead... A big moment.

Try! Ireland 10-18 New Zealand (Savea)

20:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

33 min: Sure enough, New Zealand take full advantage with a 50-22 kick which puts them right in position. They work through a few phases under the posts before flinging the ball out to the right touchline where Savea is waiting to run it into the corner.

Mo’unga misses the kick.

Ireland 10-13 New Zealand

20:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

32 min: Ardie Savea is penalised for holding on at the breakdown and not releasing the ball. Ireland kick deep and have a lineout in good attacking position, but they can’t win the set-piece – that’s two or three now that Ireland have lost, and it’s a weakness the All Blacks are exploiting.

Ireland 10-13 New Zealand

20:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

30 min: A thrilling first half an hour at the Stade de France, and we are still none the wiser as to who will win this quarter-final. How Ireland needed that score.

Try! Ireland 10-13 New Zealand (Aki)

20:32 , Lawrence Ostlere

27 min: A magnificent try by Bundee Aki! Ireland push the All Blacks back towards their try line attacking down the left wing, then switch quickly across to the right where Aki collects a high pass, shifts back inside between a couple of desperate defenders and dives over the line.

Sexton kicks the extras.

Ireland 3-13 New Zealand

20:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

25 min: Ireland work through a few slick phases in the New Zealand half before a loose ball lands at the feet of Sexton. He hacks towards the try line and gives chase, but a couple of All Blacks get there before him to touch down behind their own line.

Ireland 3-13 New Zealand

20:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

23 min: There’s a break in play as referee Wayne Barnes has his communication set fixed. The Irish fans are meanwhile unhappy with a Kiwi tackle which has just been shown on the big screens, but the referee tells Johnny Sexton it’s been checked by the TMO, and says it wasn’t unsafe.

Penalty! Ireland 3-13 New Zealand (Sexton)

20:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

20 min: Ireland immediately win a penalty in a central position in the New Zealand half, which Johnny Sexton kicks over. That’s more like it from the Irish, who have been outplayed so far. The All Blacks have been utterly relentless, so dogged at the breakdown, and Ireland need to find a way to match them.

Try! Ireland 0-13 New Zealand (Fainga’anuku)

20:23 , Lawrence Ostlere

18 min: Wow, wow. Beauden Barrett plays a supremely clever kick over the Irish midfield and gives chase, collecting the ball on the other side before taking a wallop in the tackle by Lowe. But New Zealand are quick to spread it wide to the left wing against a discombobulated Ireland defence, and Leicester Fainga’anuku is on hand to touch down in the corner after some wonderful hands, throwing a one-two with Rieko Ioane. Mo-unga adds the conversion.

Ireland 0-6 New Zealand

20:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

16 min: Ireland come straight back at New Zealand and go searching for a try, but the ball spills loose at a ruck with the try line in sight, and the All Blacks escape.

Penalty! Ireland 0-6 New Zealand (J Barrett)

20:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

13 min: Jordie Barrett makes that huge kick look easy, and New Zealand are six points ahead.

Ireland 0-3 New Zealand

20:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

12 min: New Zealand have started very well here. Savea speeds into a ruck to win a turnover and Doris refuses to let go while on the ground, conceding another penalty. It’s almost on the halfway line...

Ireland 0-3 New Zealand

20:13 , Lawrence Ostlere

10 min: Johnny Sexton’s smart kick sets up Ireland in New Zealand’s 22 and they work through a few phases before spreading the ball wide, but wing James Lowe can’t quite catch a tricky pass and it bounces out for a lineout.

Penalty! Ireland 0-3 New Zealand (Mo’unga)

20:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

6 min: Finally Ireland cave under the weight of that relentless attack with the concession of a penalty at the breakdown by Van der Flier. Richie Mo’unga makes no mistake with a simple kick.

Ireland 0-0 New Zealand

20:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

5 min: New Zealand work through 30 phases (!) in and around the Irish 22, up against some stubborn defence. The waves of pressure keep coming, and keep coming, but Ireland are not budging... Extraoardinary spell.

Ireland 0-0 New Zealand

20:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

3 min: Porter is whistled again, this time at the scrum – referee Wayne Barnes didn’t like how the prop attacked that set-piece. Barrett kicks deep into touch and New Zealand will have a lineout in Irish territory.

Ireland 0-0 New Zealand

20:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

2 min: Retallick catches the first high ball and Andrew Porter immediately gives away an early penalty at the breakdown. A bit of a rush of blood from the prop.

Kick-off! Ireland v New Zealand

20:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

There is nothing quite like the Haka to stir the emotions before a massive Rugby World Cup quarter-final. That was spine-tingling.

Here we go then: Johnny Sexton kicks off.

Ireland v New Zealand LIVE

19:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

The anthems are over, and now here comes the Haka. Ireland have got themselves into a little huddle beforehand, and now they stand and face the All Blacks in a figure of eight formation.

Ireland v New Zealand LIVE

19:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here we go with the anthems, and Ireland’s Call is up first. A top-tier rugby anthem, for me. Click here to read a little bit more about it.

Ireland v New Zealand LIVE

19:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

Brian O’Driscoll tips Ireland to win by five points on ITV, while Sean Fitzpatrick sits on the fence, saying only that “the bench will make the difference”. The All Blacks, it should be said, have a very strong set of replacements.

How to break a curse: Ireland must take inspiration to end quarter-final jinx

19:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ten minutes to go! That’s just enough time to read Luke Baker on how Ireland can finally end their hoodoo and reach a World Cup semi-final:

How Ireland can end World Cup jinx against All Blacks

Ireland v New Zealand LIVE

19:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

You know it’s a big game of national significance when tedious U2 frontman Bono sends a video message: “From our stage in Las Vegas, to your stage Paris, this is living, this is live... come on Ireland!”

Ireland v New Zealand: Confirmed line-ups

19:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland

Hugo Keenan,  Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (capt.), Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris

Replacements:  Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Jimmy O’Brien

New Zealand

Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane (capt.), Ardie Savea

Replacements: Dane Coles, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Samuel Whitelock, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown

‘One area where you can get to Ireland is the lineout'

19:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

Former New Zealand World Cup winner Sean Fitzpatrick, speaking on ITV: “How do you beat Ireland? We need to take the game to them, score tries, and upset their patterns. One area where you can get to them – one of the only areas! – is the lineout. The All Blacks can put pressure on them there.”

Gatland commits to Wales beyond World Cup

19:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

Warren Gatland has confirmed he wants to stay in his role and is already thinking ahead to the 2024 Six Nations, but it would be up to Welsh Rugby if they wanted to make a change.

"This is like an Eddie Jones question, is it?" Gatland joked. “I’m not too sure what’s in my contract. Absolutely (I want to stay). If the Union want to get rid of me, that’s up to them.”

The match was also a final one in a Welsh jersey for fly-half Dan Biggar, who previously announced his retirement after the World Cup.

“He’s been a great servant for Welsh rugby. He’s been through some incredible highs and some lows. For a youngster to come through and develop, that’s been special,” Gatland said.

Ireland v New Zealand – Rugby World Cup LIVE

19:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

A few early pictures as the atmosphere builds in Paris tonight...

Wales 17-29 Argentina – reaction

19:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has described the referee change during his side’s quarter-final defeat to Argentina as “disruptive”.

Gatland’s side exited the Rugby World Cup after a 29-17 defeat in Marseille.

Karl Dickson, who began the game as an assistant, was pressed into duties with the whistle after referee Jaco Peyper suffered an injury after 15 minutes at the Stade Velodrome.

Dickson later decided that Guido Petti’s clearout of Nick Tompkins did not merit sanction, moments before Joel Sclavi punched over for a crucial score.

And while emphasising that he was not criticising Dickson, Gatland believes that the switch was significant.

Full story:

Warren Gatland reacts to ‘disruptive’ referee change after Wales defeat

Ireland v New Zealand referee

19:13 , Lawrence Ostlere

Who is the man in the middle tonight? It’s England’s Wayne Barnes:

Ireland vs New Zealand referee: Who is Rugby World Cup official Wayne Barnes?

Zombie: Why Ireland’s Rugby World Cup anthem is causing controversy

19:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland have adopted the Cranberries’ 1994 hit ‘Zombie’ as an unofficial anthem at the ongoing Rugby World Cup but that decision has caused controversy.

As Ireland head into a blockbuster quarter-final against New Zealand in Paris on Saturday evening, aiming to win a World Cup knockout match for the first time in their history, victory will lead to ‘Zombie’ blasting out of the Stade de France PA system following the full-time whistle.

This is what happened following their brilliant 13-8 win over reigning champions South Africa in the pool stage of the tournament, as fans sung along with the anthem to create a spine-tingling moment.

But while ‘Zombie’ has been adopted due to its anthemic, sing-along qualities, the song’s history has caused some debate and controversy back over the Irish Sea.

Full story:

Zombie: Why Ireland’s Rugby World Cup anthem is causing controversy

Ireland ready for ‘toughest game ever faced’

19:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Johnny Sexton says Ireland are braced for the “toughest game we’ve ever faced” ahead of a mouthwatering Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand in Paris.

The world’s top-ranked nation are seeking an 18th consecutive win to reach the last four of the tournament for the first time.

Captain Sexton has faced the formidable All Blacks many times across his distinguished career, including leading his country to a historic tour success last summer.

“That’s what we’re preparing for: the toughest game we’ve ever faced and we’re trying to put ourselves in the frame of mind that we’re going to be ready for it,” he said.

Irish fans gripped by Rugby World Cup bid

18:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland’s impressive start to the Rugby World Cup may have broken television viewing records at home, but there were few indications walking around Dublin on Friday that the sports-mad country was gearing up for an even bigger night.

Signs outside pubs near the Aviva Stadium reminding passersby of Saturday’s showdown against New Zealand contained those two words, quarter-final, that strike fear into any Irish rugby fan.

An unwanted record as the only rugby power to have never gone beyond the quarter-finals haunts the Irish and has created a palpable sense of nervous anticipation, even as Andy Farrell’s side live up to their billing as the world’s top ranked team.

A local Guinness World Cup advertisement campaign of ‘Think It, Don’t Jinx It’ - accompanied in one TV spot by Irish singer Ronan Keating’s chorus of “You say it best, when you say nothing at all” - has proven extremely prescient.

“Oh my god, the nerves for tomorrow night,” said Kevin Arundel, chef and owner of the Chophouse gastropub around the corner from the Aviva Stadium, where the 54-year-old has not missed a game for nearly 20 years.

“I’m nervous because we’ve never done it and in the last World Cup, we went in as number one (as well). But this time we are genuinely number one in the world.”

Rugby is not quite as popular in Ireland as soccer or the Gaelic sports of football and hurling, but interest in the team is huge.

The nail-biting win over South Africa attracted the biggest television audience of the year so far for Ireland’s national broadcaster RTE, while last week’s demolition of Scotland was the most watched broadcast in rival station Virgin Media Television’s 25 year history.

Even its analysts sought to keep a lid on expectations. Ex-Ireland winger Shane Horgan’s declaration on Saturday of “If not now, when?” drew a momentary pause, then an eruption of nervous laughter in the studio before the presenter called “stop.”

Little else will get a look in this Saturday. Popular Irish band The Saw Doctors will take to the stage at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre an hour later than advertised at 10pm. Their support act? A big screen on stage showing the match.

“Please God, by three points,” said the Chophouse’s Arundel. “Even one will do.”

Conor Murray says New Zealand-born trio ‘so important’ to Ireland World Cup bid

18:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

Conor Murray believes New Zealand’s loss is Ireland’s gain as “world-class” trio Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe bid to give their native country serious cause for regret.

Centre Aki, scrum-half Gibson-Park and wing Lowe will face the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup for the first time after being selected to start tonight’s quarter-final showdown in Paris.

The three New Zealand-born backs qualified for Ireland on residency grounds and have become key performers for Andy Farrell’s side, including helping secure a landmark tour success over the Kiwis last summer.

Murray expects their personal circumstances to provide an extra edge to their performances at Stade de France.

“Those three boys are so important to our squad,” he said.

More:

Conor Murray says New Zealand-born trio ‘so important’ to Ireland World Cup bid

Ireland and All Blacks thrust into new roles for blockbuster quarter-final

18:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

The power dynamics have shifted in the Ireland-New Zealand rivalry ahead of their Rugby World Cup knockout clash but an Irish hoodoo remains. Preview by Luke Baker in Paris:

Ireland and All Blacks thrust into new roles for blockbuster World Cup quarter-final

When rugby answered Ireland’s call

18:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

Before the 1995 World Cup, the IRFU finally addressed the issue and commissioned Phil Coulter to write a song. Ireland’s Call was born, which spoke of the four proud provinces of the country, but without reference to war and bloodshed.

Replacing a national anthem could never hope to meet with immediate approval, and for a long time this song about standing tall saw many sit in stony silence before it slowly gained popularity, and finally came of age in 2007 at Croke Park.

The arrival of England’s rugby team in 2007 and the playing of God Save the Queen was seen as the real watershed moment. The Irish crowd stood respectfully for the visitors’ anthem and applauded afterwards, and then came a spine-tingling rendition of Ireland’s Call, finally sung loudly and proudly.

It will surely be sung with a similar passion on Saturday night, and if Ireland make it to a World Cup semi-final for the first time, this Irish team will certainly have answered Ireland’s call.

Part 2/2

When rugby answered Ireland’s call

18:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland hope to end their Rugby World Cup quarter-final curse when they face New Zealand tonight, and before the game their players will stand shoulder to shoulder to sing Ireland’s Call, but it’s a song which is not the official Irish anthem.

The national anthem is Amhran na bhFiann (The Soldier’s Song) but for a team representing the whole island, the anthem often caused debate.

Ireland was partitioned in 1921, and while football split with the island into separate associations, the Irish Rugby Federation (IRFU) was able to agree on issues such as where games would be played, the anthem, and they introduced their own flag. Many other sports have maintained one governing body, including cricket, hockey, basketball and tennis.

Originally, when Ireland played rugby in Dublin the Irish anthem was played, and God Save the King was used in Belfast. As no games were played north of the border between 1954 and 2007 the debate subsided somewhat, at least until 1987. This was the year of the first Rugby World Cup, but in April, as players from Northern Ireland travelled to Dublin for training they were caught up in an IRA bombing, which ended the playing career of Nigel Carr.

When Ireland arrived in Australia and New Zealand for the tournament, the IRFU decided against using the Irish anthem, but players complained that they would be the only team without one. A recording of an old Irish ballad, The Rose of Tralee, was found, and as the crackly cassette version played over the speakers before their opening game with Wales, the Irish players huddled almost in embarrassment. They lost that game, and while nobody blamed the song choice, it was never heard again at an Ireland international. For the rest of that tournament Ireland were once more without an anthem.

part 1/2

Argentina scrap their way to Rugby World Cup semi-finals as Wales come up short

18:24 , Lawrence Ostlere

Louis Rees-Zammit leapt for the corner, and came down with an anguished cry. A scrappy contest always looked likely to be a game of inches - and the Wales wing had come up agonisingly short.

By the end, there were bodies strewn right around the Stade Velodrome, the damage of a demolition derby all too clear to see. Argentina won’t remotely care. Their win was made secure at the death, replacement fly half Nicolas Sanchez plucking an intercept score from opposite number Sam Costelow to take Argentina out of sight. Ireland or New Zealand await in the World Cup semi-finals - the challenge is mighty but Los Pumas live to fight another day; Wales are going home.

By Harry Latham-Coyle in Marseille:

Argentina scrap their way to semi-finals as Wales come up short

Talking points: Disciplinary disruption

18:20 , Lawrence Ostlere

New Zealand’s preparations have been disrupted by a disciplinary storm in the build-up to the clash. Star wing Mark Telea misses out after being dropped due to a breach of team protocol. Foster insisted the issue was “nothing major” but still felt compelled to punish a player whose emergence on the international scene has been central to the All Blacks’ improvement since their series defeat to Ireland last July. Telea, who is believed to have broken a curfew, has three tries in the tournament, including a double in the opening-night defeat to hosts France. Leicester Fainga’anuku is the man to benefit after claiming a hat-trick in the Pool A thrashing of Uruguay.

Talking points: Return of the Mack

18:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland were nursing a few concerning injury issues following a bruising Pool B finale against Scotland. Yet head coach Farrell has been able to name an unchanged starting XV. Mack Hansen looked to be a major doubt after sitting out training early in the week but took part in Friday’s captain’s run with a heavily-strapped right calf. Fellow wing James Lowe (eye) has also been passed fit. Only lock James Ryan, who sustained a wrist issue against the Scots, is missing from arguably Ireland’s strongest line-up. Lowe, meanwhile, is one of three New Zealand-born players in Ireland’s team, in addition to centre Bundee Aki and scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.

Talking points: About Schmidt

18:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

An intriguing sub-plot is the presence of former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt in the Kiwi camp. The 58-year-old led Ireland into the last two World Cups before joining his native country’s coaching team last summer after his six-year tenure was emphatically ended by the All Blacks in Tokyo in 2019. New Zealand coach Ian Foster outlined plans to tap into Schmidt’s extensive knowledge of the Irish. Yet veteran Ireland wing Keith Earls played down the merits of doing so, saying: “We genuinely don’t use any of the habits that Joe taught us.”

Talking points: All Blacks out for revenge

18:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland had to wait 111 years for a first Test win over New Zealand. But, having done so in memorable fashion in Chicago seven years ago, the Irish now hold the upper hand in terms of recent meetings. Farrell masterminded a stunning 2-1 tour success over the All Blacks last summer and the stage is set for another unforgettable encounter. New Zealand are not used to losing on home soil and will be out for revenge. Kiwi full-back Beauden Barrett said: “There are a lot of us who are pretty keen to get one up on them and still we’re hurting from what happened last year.” Ireland’s quest will be aided by the backing of tens of thousands of travelling fans.

Talking points: Banishing the quarter-final curse

18:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland have topped the world rankings for 15 months and are favourites for the mouth-watering Stade de France showdown. Yet the Irish have never won a World Cup knockout match. Seven times previously they have reached the last eight of the tournament and seven times they have been sent home. The last of those early exits came at the hands of the All Blacks four years ago. Ireland have improved markedly since then and have far greater mental resolve. Farrell’s in-form side will equal the record for consecutive Test wins by a tier one nation (18) by banishing the quarter-final curse. However, standing in their way is one of the toughest challenges in world rugby.

Argentina v Wales LIVE

17:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

Argentina are on the verge of booking their place in the World Cup semi-finals! Heartbreak for Wales in Marseille. Follow the finale:

Wales v Argentina LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 latest quarter-final updates

Dan Sheehan keen to avoid being affected by hype of Ireland-New Zealand clash

17:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan plans to ignore the hype and treat Saturday’s blockbuster World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand like any other Test match.

Andy Farrell’s men will make history as the first Irish team to progress to the last four of the tournament by downing the three-time champions in Paris.

Ireland’s previous World Cup failures are well documented but Sheehan is among the younger generation of players unburdened by the baggage.

The self-confident 25-year-old feels there is a stronger mentality among the class of 2023 and will not become distracted by the media fanfare surrounding a titanic Stade de France showdown.

Full story:

Dan Sheehan keen to avoid being affected by hype of Ireland-New Zealand clash

All Blacks credit ‘awesome’ Schmidt

17:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

New Zealand’s players have also lauded Schmidt for his part in reviving the All Blacks after that test series loss to Ireland last year, which almost cost Foster his job.

Richie Mo’unga joked on Thursday, however, that Schmidt’s passion for the minutiae of the game made him a man to avoid at times.

“You get caught in the hallways talking code with him and you could be there a fair while. You’ve got to just turn your head the other way sometimes, try and avoid that,” the fly-half said.

“Nah, he’s awesome, the different perspective of footy he has. I would say that perspective is real basic, and the things that make a team tick really well.

“He really wants to see the best of his footy players and see them unlock their potential, which I find the coolest thing about him.”

Ireland detect Schmidt influence on All Blacks attack

17:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland think they have detected the hand of former coach Joe Schmidt in the resurgent form of the All Blacks as they analysed their opponents ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster World Cup quarter-final, skills coach Mike Catt said on Friday.

Schmidt was coach of Ireland from 2013 until 2019, leading them to their first win over the All Blacks in 111 years of trying in 2016 and to the quarter-finals of the last World Cup.

He returned to his native New Zealand last year, taking over as attack coach under Ian Foster after the All Blacks lost a home test series to the Irish for the first time.

“It seems it’s back to the All Blacks of old really, exceptionally dangerous with ball in hand,” Catt, a World Cup winner with England in 2003, said when asked what he expected from New Zealand on Saturday.

“I think Joe’s definitely brought a physicality to the breakdown and with their ball carrying. That was something that Joe was massively passionate about with Ireland as well. “Especially in the wide breakdowns, these guys are big guys and they put a lot of pressure in those areas. So it’s making sure that we match them physically while being technically good in the same breath.”

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, who played under Schmidt for the best part of a decade with Leinster and Ireland, said the 58-year-old’s legacy in the Irish set-up was “massive” and his influence on the All Blacks obvious.

“I see evidence of Joe’s coaching through the team,” Sexton said on Wednesday. “Joe’s done a great job over the last 12 months, they’ve made big strides.”

Mack Hansen fit to start against New Zealand

17:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

Mack Hansen took part in Ireland’s captain’s run in the French capital on Friday morning after sitting out training earlier in the week due to a calf issue sustained against the Scots.

Catt insists the Australia-born wing, whose right leg was heavily strapped, is fit and ready to start, while James Ryan (wrist) and Robbie Henshaw (hamstring) could return to contention at the semi-final stage.

Ireland are favourites for what is expected to be a tight and tense affair against the All Blacks.

Catt says the team have contemplated the prospect of extra-time, which could be followed by 10 minutes of sudden death, and joked that a handful of forwards would be selected in the unlikely event of a kicking competition.

“We have spoken about it,” he said. “The players know who they are: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Beirne! They’ve definitely put in an extra couple hours of kicking!

“It’s one of those that players are aware of it. It’s a long way to get to that situation. You’d like to think in the golden point (sudden death) in 10 minutes one side would take their opportunity and take points.

“The players who are on the pitch know who they are and fingers crossed we put them through the middle.”

Ireland deny ‘spygate’ accusations

17:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland have won three of four meetings with New Zealand during the reign of head coach Andy Farrell, including last summer’s historic 2-1 tour success.

However, the Irish were thrashed 46-14 by the All Blacks at the same stage of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

With plenty on the line this weekend, suggestions of a spying scandal were downplayed after a photographer, who has been working on behalf of the Irish Rugby Football Union, attended a New Zealand training session open to members of the media.

Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt was unaware of the incident on Thursday when questioned, before World Rugby’s media operations manager Greg Thomas cut in.

“The rules say yes (it is allowed), as long as they’re standing with the rest of the photographers, they can,” said Thomas, who was chairing the press conference.

How to watch Ireland v New Zealand tonight

17:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

The quarter-final is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST tonight, Saturday 14 October, at Stade de Frace in Paris. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1 with coverage beginning at 7.15pm BST. Registered users can also stream the match for free online on ITVX.

New Zealand line-up

17:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

New Zealand XV: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane (capt.), Ardie Savea

Replacements: Dane Coles, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Samuel Whitelock, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown

New Zealand team news v Ireland

16:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

New Zealand return to their full-strength side following their 73-0 win against Uruguay with Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett and Scott Barett all returning to the starting XV. There is no place, however, for Mark Telea who misses out entirely following a disciplinary issue. He is replaced by Leceister Fainga’anuku on the left wing.

Ireland line-up

16:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ireland XV: Hugo Keenan,  Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (capt.), Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris

Replacements:  Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Jimmy O’Brien

Ireland team news v New Zealand

16:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

Andy Farrell has named an unchanged starting team to play New Zealand from their final pool-stage win against Scotland at Stade de Frace last weekend. Wingers Mack Hansen and James Lowe, who both left the field in the win over Scotland, are named to start following their recovery in the week.

Fullback Hugo Keenan, who scored twice in the victory, remains at fullback. Fellow try scorers Iain Henderson, Dan Sheehan, and Garry Ringrose as start as well as Lowe who scored in the first 63 seconds of the match. If used from the bench, Conor Murray will surpass Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell to become Ireland’s most-capped RWC player with 18 appearances.

11 players from Ireland’s RWC2019 quarter-final loss are named in the team (Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Iain Henderson, Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton, Garry Ringrose, Andrew Porter, Dave Kilcoyne, and Tadhg Beirne).

Johnny Sexton will make his 18th appearance against New Zealand (15th for Ireland, 18th overall including British and Irish Lions), which will see him overtake Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones to become the Northern Hemisphere player who has faced the All Blacks the most.

Two changes to the replacements are made with Joe McCarthy replacing the injured second-row James Ryan and Jimmy O’Brien replacing Stuart McCloskey.

Ireland ‘doing it for Johnny', says Doris

16:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

Caelan Doris says attempting to send Johnny Sexton into retirement as a world champion is adding to Ireland’s motivation ahead of a mouthwatering quarter-final against New Zealand.

Influential captain Sexton is due to call time on his distinguished career following the Rugby World Cup in France, meaning any match now could be his last. The 38-year-old fly-half used his personal situation to help fire up his team ahead of last weekend’s pivotal Pool B win over Scotland in Paris.

Ireland are back at Stade de France for a quarter-final showdown with the All Blacks on Saturday evening and number eight Doris acknowledges ‘doing it for Johnny’ is part of the squad’s thinking.

“Yeah, it is,” said the 25-year-old, who was sitting alongside Leinster team-mate Dan Sheehan. “Even last week, building into Scotland, there was a chance that could be his last ever game, he said that to us as a group. And what an unbelievable player and leader he’s been for Ireland for so many years.

“I think all the players will agree that the standards he sets raise everyone else’s game and he’s almost like having another coach on the pitch.

“He seems to have a bird’s-eye view, he seems to see everything regardless of where you were and catches any mistake. You can’t get away with anything with him around, which is obviously a good thing for the most part, except when he’s shouting at you for those few seconds.

“He definitely brings us to another level. The way he prepares for a game, he absolutely loves the game and puts everything into it, he’s the utmost professional and he’s been a great role model for the two of us.”

Ireland vs New Zealand - LIVE

Friday 13 October 2023 16:06 , The Independent

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