New Zealand saw off a late siege at Stade de France to triumph 28-24 after an epic contest as Ireland suffered an eighth Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat 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.
All Blacks number eight Ardie Savea, named the Mastercard Player of the Match, expressed his pride in their performance.
“There was a lot riding on this week,” he said. “It was one of those test matches that was a battle. To go out there and play against a world-class Irish squad, we gave the fans what they wanted.
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