Ireland's quarter-final hoodoo continues - what went wrong?

[@chantelp]

Don’t think Irish choked. AB just switched up gears on the day. Well done All Blacks 🎉 Credit where it’s due.

[@noname-wq3lc]

They choked, just own it.

[@atapene]

They choked, by definition

[@mattmullany]

Class comment.

[@killerangel4613]

I think we brought physicality that surprised Ireland

[@1477wales4]

Ireland did well to get that close from 13 points down....looked outclassed

[@niallsheehan474]

Very impressed with the chair Lady , should be on the TV , knowledgable and smart

[@Sean1homeles]

It just seems like Ireland feels entitled despite an overall 'not great' win record over south and new Zealand over a long period of time. What's the overall long term win record. The last 2 years have been a flash in the pan. Need to be far more consistent in the long run to have the mental strength to see it through.

[@2011hwalker]

Also NZ were at rock bottom in 2022. I think Ireland maybe peaked in 2022 , some of their older players like OMahony, Sexton and Furlong werent able to raise their game again after the SA performance.

[@taintabird23]

The only nations with a sense of entitlement are SA and NZ, for whom this competition was invented. Your smug and arrogant comment is further evidence of it. Your problem is that you are not humble when you win. It makes you a bad loser when Ireland or anyone beats you. This is because it is you that feels entitled to win. Ireland's record against SH sides is improving every year. 5 wins in the last 7 years against NZ is better than Irelands record against against France.

[@Sean1homeles]

@@taintabird23 They invented the world cup for SA and NZ. Haha. Was the football world cup invented for Brazil? SA was banned from the first two.

[@taintabird23]

@@Sean1homeles NZ RFU sought the introduction of a rugby world cup. The head of the rugby union said at the time that public opinion in NZ desired it, obviously they expected to win it. He said that the SH envied the 6 nations competition and that a world cup would help make up for it. Australia and France supported it. South Africa's vote carried it in March 1985. England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland were not in favour, though the English and Welsh eventually changed their minds.

[@Sean1homeles]

​@@taintabird23 Are you seriously blaming NZ for having vision. If everyone else said no then it wouldn't happen. Having the vision doesn't mean you will win. And how desperate were France and Ireland to win it. But they couldn't get over the line. Entitlement doesn't get you over line. Mental strength does.

[@lindsayj56]

Im an AB fan with a different opinion, but you can't look at missed opportunities or refs calls and think that was the game, you have to understand the All Blacks also had missed opportunities and some rough calls also. For example, all blacks hot on attack and theres no way that ball was out when porter picked it out of the ruck. The All Blacks earned the right to dictate the game by getting the early lead, and it always felt like Ireland were playing catchup.

[@janniemeyer9951]

Sir as a Ireland punished Springbok supporter the loser tends to blame the ref.

[@dominicbritt]

Correct.

[@clarkeonenil3252]

Agree with that entirely as an Ireland fan. I don't know about the Porter incident specifically, but in general terms in any game both teams will be able to point to one or two things that the ref could have called differently. New Zealand went out to 13-0 when the game was up for grabs, and from that point on one team was chasing and one team was managing ... and managing is easier, as it should be because you've earned the right.

[@Camcolito]

We absolutely bottled it.

[@niallsheehan474]

It’s a fact that at half time on Betfair Ireland we’re 8/13 favorites. So not everyone shares your opinion

[@michaelcatherwood4088]

All Blacks didn't let the Irish play their game who thought they would. Took more than 100 years to win the first time it might take another 100 years to win again. All Blacks have the best winning stats of any sports team in the world. Those stats have only got better in the last 20 years. Expectation in NZ based on history is to win every game. We're surprised and disappointed when we don't. Historically South Africa are the only team with parity.

[@JoeTheLion60]

Tough for Ireland but the sense of entitlement or we deserved this - can always trip you up. NZ missed winning many RWCs after being the dominant team in between them. They too felt hard done by after beating the Boks in 2019 but the Boks eventually winning due to an easier side of the draw. I get the impression that the ABs were willing to sacrifice both the French and Springbok game and instead aim for peaking at the QFs and beyond and of course the red card in Twickers didn't help. I always thought Ireland saying their preference was to meet the ABs in the QFs was a HUGE mistake...

[@waynepirihi9769]

We had many injuries prior to this game and we’re just getting back to full strength

[@thrusta100]

Poked the Black bear..

[@FilmDecoded000]

" in 2019 the Boks eventually winning due to an easier side of the draw" You know Japan, Wales and England all topped their pools right...

[@CanwegetSubscriberswithn-cu2it]

Cannot for the life of me understand where "entitlement" comes into play. All plaxers, coaches and fans I taöked to were all gery wary of the ABs but thought we had a decent chance of beating them. Practically everyone I heard was 60:40 for Ireland. That's not entitlement.

[@taintabird23]

@@CanwegetSubscriberswithn-cu2it Most of the Kiwis on here did not expect NZ to win, nor did their bookies. To make up for their mistake they are pretending Ireland took NZ for granted because of a sense of entitlement or choked. It is totally incoherent. The fact is, they were the thickness of Jordi Barretts hand away from losing the game, when Kelleher went over for the try in the 72nd minute. NZ played their best game, Ireland did not.

[@garygrewe2008]

Ireland are a class act, from the players, on & off the field, to the coaching staff and fans alike.They have set the bar so high, that we have been privileged to watch some of the best rugby ever, over these last few weeks. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and massive respect from a grateful South African.

[@waynepirihi9769]

Ain’t no thing .I see Ireland are playing at the level that the ABs and Boks have always played at at Rugby is the winner

[@christoduplessis8177]

I would not describe anything about Ireland as a class act.

[@garygrewe2008]

Class is showing respect to a worthy adversary, and the Irish team had that in spades! Especially Bandee Aki,Garry Ringrose and coach Andy Ferrell (even though he's English)

[@sophiegardner6006]

compared to 2015 it rubbish rugby be honest bad refereeing, Ireland gaming the rules all over the park, allowed to infringe in the breakdown, taking ball when it is not out, no you haven't seen much rugby if you think that was great. It was intensive, passionate and physical and ABs were great, but with dodge ref, bs yellow card to Smith. let the Irish loose forwards be offside and Irish running interference all day, it should have been 50 10 really.

[@brendanclarke8393]

Born losers. Thanks for your kindness

[@garryrapeseoa2716]

How do you loose a QF when the opposition has 14 in a crucial period of the game! How, when you’re dealing with a champion side who knows how to win, period!

[@Sunflower-dt6ev]

It takes years to get over. The ABs choked in RWC1999, RWC2003, & RWC2007, went 24 years before winning RWC2011 & RWC2015. During our choking history, we were number #1 between RWCs & went in hot favourites. And the rugby world loved calling us chokers. And we were. So, did Ireland choke? You bet you did. Bigtime. You're basically the ABs pre RWC2007. Accept it, embrace the choke, use the pain to win the RWC. You can do it. Maybe get choker tee shirts done lol. So, keep analysing, overanalysing, megaoveranalysing, the game. It's all part of the process. But the sooner you get to the realisation that you CHOKED, then the healing can start. And thankfully, World Rugby has sorted out the RWC draw process. This one was ridiculous. All the best.

[@nzfreeski]

True but slight edit - we got to the semis 9 from 10 WCs

[@Sunflower-dt6ev]

​​@@nzfreeskiThis RWC draw was ridiculous. The top 4 should never be on one side. Thank goodness the fishheads at rugby headquarters have fixed the draw process for RWC2027.

[@Nic0909]

NZ didn't play well in those wc loses and did choke. Ireland didn't choke they played really well just didn't get it done

[@bodybalanceU2]

what about the 1987 RWC abs won that as well and there was also a 1991 and 1995 RWC - were you only born yesterday?

[@Sunflower-dt6ev]

@@Nic0909 when Codie Taylor was binned, Ireland choked. Everything before that was fine. I mean they erred big time by not taking early points & also Sexton missed a sitter. But while those proved fatal in the long run, they weren't choking as such. I'm not gonna relitigate the ABs chokes.

[@chriswhata]

Gummon….Ireland played a NZ team with 14 players for 20 minutes! They had huge crowd support and even the ref was with them giving two yellow cards. The game was there for the taking!

[@actiaint]

This is so true… Ireland had an All Black done that jersey pull back on an Irish player they would have been yellow carded if not red… think about it!

[@killerangel4613]

Took us too lightly, listened to all the press, I couldn’t find anyone even kiwi commentators who gave ABs a chance

[@waynepirihi9769]

@@killerangel4613what were you watching

[@ManaBlack208]

​@@actiaintU ain't making sense mate

[@NikkiBikkiNZ]

“Higher percentage call to go for the corner”??? Are you kidding me, it’s a knock out game in a RWC you go for the points on offer. This moment to me sums up why Ireland lost, you can not take anything for granted and expect it just going to be easy to get a try, you take the 3, specially at the beginning of the game.

[@firmfoundation7421]

You are correct

[@Bokgat]

@@john-el1ci let’s think about it. 4 penalties x 3 = 12 points vs 2 tries (converted) = 2 x 7 = 14. I’ll take the 12 to mitigate risk versus , any day

[@PB22559]

Ireland don't have enough goal kicking options and Sexton doesn't have long kicking range. Look at NZ (Mo'unga, J. Barrett, B. Barrett, McKensie), SA (Pollard, Faf, Libbok etc) and France (Ramos, Jaminet, Jalibert, N'tamack, Dupont). All have multiple kicking options. Ireland are a great team but they have many limitations that their fans and pundits refuse to see.

[@Trajan2401]

SA went for the kicks against Ireland but it didn't help them they didn't go for all the kicks against England but won

[@gileswood9622]

Ireland very cohesive, well orchestrated team, very solid defence, predictable attack (Ian Foster called it Cut and Paste " we knew what was coming"). They played the same game they have in all other recent games. But they lack pace across the whole backline. Sexton far too slow. Also lack imagination in the moment, just playing patterns. NZ out muscled Ireland in the forwards, better scrum, better lineout and faster, quicker and more imagination and skill in the NZ backs. The chip over the top of ireland defence was obvious way to break their defence, if you have the skill to execute it. NZ did. So although the scores were close I dont think Ireland were ontop in any aspect.

[@jlm4455]

There fastest back is Ringrose and I would not call him a burner. TBF Hansen was not 100% but during long tournament injuries happen. ABs sat off Sexton and instead attacked the 1st receiver and the break down. It allowed them to do two things: 1. Slow the ball at the breakdown and Ireland are almost 100% dependent on quick ball 2. Play against 14 attackers instead of 15

[@shaneharris904]

Hi from Nz, thank you for a great moment in history, Respect to Johnny Sexton and his great team, we still talk about how the green team came to nz and showed us the best running game we've seen in so long. Johnny and his Green warriors will always be respected in Nz, see you in the finals in 4years

[@IrishInsomniac76]

While the loss was extremely disappointing it hurt less because their performance was excellent. To me that is not a choke, we just got beaten by a team that raised their game so much.

[@lindsayj56]

The difficult thing is, when you're beating everyone it's hard to improve and you keep doing the same thing (not meaning that in a negative way). If you're the underdog, you know what's coming so it's easier to see where you need to be better and to change things up. Its harder for the favorites as they prepare to do what's been winning them all these matches, so when the opponent comes in with a different attitude/game plan, it's hard to adapt on the fly.

[@antonellaluque4532]

Wasnt excellent was poor

[@cmarsh9988]

It is a choke though we've gone 8 quarter finals and lost all of them. This team wasn't able to improve on their predecessors record it's pretty much the definition of a choke

[@Bokgat]

They choked full stop.

[@432htz3]

Great respectful remark. The AB's played out of their skins to keep your side out for 20 minutes with a man down. They are starting to get back to where they normally are.....Not quite but nearly, {boks will be a big challenge if we get past Argentina } May our countries have many more epic encounters. It's so great to to see Ireland realise and play to their potential over the last 3 - 4 years. They are an awesome side . From an an AB's fan.

[@dominicbritt]

When Ireland won the series in NZ last year, the All Blacks were having their worst year in decades - Ian Foster is lucky to have survived and replaced his whole coaching team. Joe Schmidt is in charge of the backs - Jason Ryan, who will stay on with Scott Robertson, is the Crusaders forwards coach, has made the biggest difference.

[@LUAPIGNAR]

Well done FOZZIE, congratulations on the win. Who's razor??😂

[@itistrue101]

NZ coaches judged harsher than others. Fozzie never lost a Rugby Championship - Nienaber yet to win one yet his job never questioned.

[@ivotheg2397]

Foz was forced to change the coaching set up by the NZRU. The NZRU put Ryan and Schmidt there. If it was up to Foz he would have kept the coaches he brought in.

[@raf4992]

@@itistrue101 Fozzie still has and deserves the WORST Win Loss record for a coach in All Black History... He was put there by his old buddies, Hansen Tew and Sir Ted...

[@itistrue101]

@@raf4992 Fozzie dosen't have the luxury of the talent pool of previous coaches (takes us longer to recover after the customary post world cup exodus than ever before, and it'll be even harder this time) nor did the others have the burden of the rapid development of other nations. For instance, Ireland was a warm-up game in previous generations. Considering the cards he's been dealt he's still done more than Nienaber in terms of Silverware. Any questioned Nienaber's job (not that he's the real coach anyway, you only have to watch him during a game, silent and meek cuckold as Rassie drives his ship constantly making decisions and sending call via walkie talkie).

[@aaronahchee7484]

ABs did make final interchanges near the end of the game and Whitelock got the turn over. Fresh legs helped the ABs

[@geeboy5155]

What is with all those Irish analysts saying Ireland didn’t even play at 90 percent . The all blacks defense didn’t allow them to dictate the pace of the game and the battle at the breakdown slowed down their ball. When the all blacks were smashing everyone in the pool stages their excuses was Irelands defense won’t let the All blacks do that in the quarters . Keep the same energy you guys had prior to the game

[@katatonickiwi8310]

The chip kicks shouldn't have been a suprise, that's how NZ beat the Boks in Auckland this year. If the Irish weren't prepared for an AB team with 3 quality kickers in the backline with Beaudy and Jordie Barrett and Ritchie Mo'unga, then I suggest that the Irish weren't prepared well enough.

[@jlm4455]

ABs watched what Ireland did to Finn Russell. They squeezed his space brilliantly and Scotland never adjusted. ABs stopped that dead in it tracks almost immediately by forcing the Irish defense to worry about kicks into space behind them. It meant Ireland did not use rush defense near as much and gave ABs time to set up and execute attacks. If you watch final try the hesitancy in Sheehan and VDF I believe is a direct result of that tactic. Couple that with a rapid 10 with great feet and you have a forward trying to tackle a fleet footed 10 on his heels.

[@mojojojo218]

Of course Ireland choked , No 1 in the world , had a 20 minute 1 man advantage and still couldn't win and we're always behind on the scoreboard. New Zealand were worthy winners and the best team on the day . The Quarter Final hoodoo is real , LoL .😂

[@saren6538]

Lost by 4 points … 4 points and we lost all our lineouts, errros all over the field and we lost by 4 … imagine if we turned up 😂

[@3VISION3]

⁠@@saren6538lost by 4 points….. after being up by 1 man for 1/4 of the game. It was a classic choke, it was irelands best ever team and they lost to new Zealand’s worst team 😂

[@terrencepeters9203]

@@saren6538 your lost line outs, and errors you made, was due to the pressure that the all blacks applied on your team

[@saren6538]

@@terrencepeters9203 nope … for example look at the friendly game you had a few months ago with SA .. what was the score again 35-7 😂 embarrassing. ABs we’re all over the place and you got pulverised and embarrassed….. 4 points 🇮🇪 proud

[@kurupt7154]

@@saren6538you’re coping so hard 😂 bringing up the SA game 😂 points don’t matter in a knock out game mate it’s about winning not by how much 😂🤫 Barnes kept Ireland in that game

[@bodybalanceU2]

ireland was chasing the abs the whole game - at no point did ireland look like they were in front nor were they going to be - the game ireland did not want to have with the abs but forgot it was the abs they were facing not some ordinary nz side that ireland were saying they were - abs never give up and they showed why they are the "all blacks"

[@MTMPiwari]

Great commentary.... NZ fan... enormously happy that the All Blacks won but really feel for Ireland and the fans.... this is not the end for Ireland but a continuation of something special... Kia kaha. Mark

[@nzfreeski]

The ABs traditionally have been amazing at the breakdown and being accurate - over 100 years. So maybe Schmidt but it’s an AB trait when playing well

[@ajaylal5892]

Anyone would think listening to this, that Ireland got 2 yellow cards and the All Black's got a penalty try. The ABs faced 20 minutes with a man down. What more did Ireland want, a red card I guess. Ireland played as well as the ABs let them

[@Itsonlymakebelieve]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but here’s the problem. Johnny cannot play a game every week at his age and should have sat out the first half of the Scotland game, at least and all of the game if we were winning well. Instead we played our full strength team in a physical game against a neighbour with a grudge. This hurt our players badly going into the quarter finals.

[@Cenotaur1]

Agree but...the 1st goal of irelands rwc plan was to win the group. No point in focusing on QF while the pool isn't finished. We were slow in settling in to the game; i think that cost us a lot and made the hill harder to climb.

[@ierikopj]

Ireland can attack and score tries, but on knockout tournaments, Ireland needs to understand that beating the best teams in the world, you have to win every aspects of the game. Ireland is not far off. You guys are on the right track.

[@johnmccarthy9964]

Here's a question, do u think that we need a bit of magic? Cause all the other top teams seem to be able to produce miracle tries out of nowhere (Barrett's little chip and the ball bounced perfect for example) whereas all of tries seem beautiful constructed, but not magical if u understand me. Just something I've been thinking about

[@garys6135]

The kiwis a saffas get it, and if we each win our semi-finals, because you never count your chickens before they hatch, they will be playing for consecutive WC wins, and we will be playing for The Triple -- Sam Whitelock will have the opportunity to become a 3peat winner: 2011, 2015 and 2023. But, they won't admit it, because if they all do their job, the magic will take care of itself.

[@diggyzeus186]

at worldcups they choke like every other year CHOKERS

[@garys6135]

@@diggyzeus186 yeah, but they can fix it. Denial isn't just a river, it's 4 more years.

[@FuturesTrader87]

Seems when Ireland get beaten it is other teams forcing us out of our comfort zone knowing we will likely not think on our feet. For all the amazing things over the last few years I feel our biggest problem is when things start to go wrong we find it hard to adapt. Nothing is like a RWC. 6 nations you get a do-over the next year, whereas RWC is a 4 year wait. I'm finding it hard to remember if we ever properly got into great attacking shape in that game at all. And for all the negatives we still had a chance to win it in the end. Still a top 4 team regardless of what the RWC shows. France getting knocked out too shows that for all the success the northern hemisphere has had the southern hemisphere just have such a long history of getting it done when it matters. So proud our our lads and let's not rip up too much in the review.

[@BrettStealth]

Honestly cant read too much into pool stage performances, while IRE did beat the Boks it wasn't a knock out match, & that makes all the difference! The knock outs call for a huge lift beyond the mere measureables, & it must be managed all the way to the finish line. Tournament rugby is the most brutal of all team sports & cant be approached like a collection of several individual games. The tournament becomes the game.

[@tarehaoreilly9899]

ABs we’re just better on the day ,Ireland played to the best of there ability, none of this panel has played high end rugby where’s this narrative coming from ??? 2 sin bins to ABs ?you had a chance your making excuses Irish media 🤫

[@gkmarais]

Calling Sam Cane a second rate Richie McCaw, really motivated him. Best game I've seen him play. No.1 tag means nothing.

[@Lejarzamikel]

High expectations can lead to big disappointments.

[@ObiePaddles]

We know that in NZ.

[@Bokgat]

Ah, you must over come. For example we had to resort to food poisoning in 95 in order for Hollywood to launch invictus.

[@simdave7165]

The game was so amazing for the simple fact they didn’t choke. They were beaten by a team who just played better and won those crucial moments.

[@chucktee8088]

100 percent choke. You were the favorites haha. Trying to be ignorant of the definition of the word does not make your statement correct 😂😂😂😂

[@simdave7165]

You sound a little emotional, probably why that doesn’t make any sense.

[@chucktee8088]

@@simdave7165 emotions of laughter of the lunacy you spew 😄 🤣 😂 😆

[@simdave7165]

I think you’ve assumed I’m an Ireland supporter……..

[@chucktee8088]

@@simdave7165 who you support don't matter. Your thought of a team being favored and have a man advantage for 20 mins is not choking is ridiculous.

[@myshepspud1]

I said it on another platform. When I rewatched I saw a reason Ireland lost. You'd just had Aaron Smith one of their best players yellow carded. But instead of stretching your advantage like NZ would've done Sexton kicks it out. Thereby negating the advantage of taking them down to 14 men because they get a 10 min breather in between. Maybe Ireland showed their best hand against South Africa, Tonga, Scotland.. Didn't rotate enough. And just didn't have enough energy/intensity to play the way they are used to.

[@captlee3732]

Irish dreams shattered by little old nz, when it matters nz take no prisoners

[@EEllis84]

From an Irish fan? New Zealand stepped it up when they had to,they played really well. The one thing I would say about Ireland is? The management didn't make changes quick enough,Mac Hanson was injured and shouldn't have started,Furlong was injured also and shouldn't have started,at least four players should have been off at the 50th minute because they were having a poor game

[@hwm2024]

All I hear is a lot of excuses. The Irish team couldn’t win even against 14 men for 20minutes of the match. Look at where they went wrong, not giving away two penalties.

[@Martin-oz6lr]

I had a terrible nightmare last night. Ireland went out at the quarter final stage AGAIN and England somehow made it to the semi finals 😢

[@mikebarker6979]

Ah bro...

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

At least England have knocked out Australia, New Zealand and France in world cu0 knockout matches , something we have never done.

[@barryhennessy6351]

Hope England do well but its a tall order against South Africa

[@Bokgat]

You should have told me after your first nightmare…I may have made more money

[@HeeniKeke]

Quarter of game ABs played with 14 against a full IRE team! Suggest accepting ABs better team on the day. Ref calls went against us. Difference is ABs were never arrogant. ABs know how to play under pressure

[@honahwikeepa2115]

Humble AB's.

[@jamesm9995]

Certainly not a choke, top 4 teams are very much on par with each other. Maybe they believed the hype a little too much.

[@mikestray76]

" top 4 teams are very much on par with each other..". I disagree, Out of the top 3 teams, I believe NZ and SA are both stronger than England and Argentina. I guess we'll find out next week....

[@elkanovitch]

@@mikestray76 Savage! :)

[@jamesm9995]

@@mikestray76top 4 teams in the rankings, but you knew that, ffs.

[@diggyzeus186]

CHOKERS THE BIGGEST CHOKERS

[@elkanovitch]

@@diggyzeus186 Nah, these Irish chaps have a fare way to go before they take that away from my mighty All Blacks.

[@theradfactor9104]

I tell you where Ireland's 2 problems are. Their bench is weak and always lose the last 20 minutes. Also, Ireland only has 2 players with flair, and both are from New Zealand. No one else brings the X-factor, and certainly not Sexton. At the end of the game, when Aki and Lowe were tired, Ireland became lethargic, robotic, cut-and-paste... They could have had 10 more minutes they were not gonna score a point if their lives depended on.

[@fomofud9479]

Lol, what a pointless opinion. Ireland won 27 out of 30 games, beat the ABs away from home, won the grand slam, equalled the WR in consecutive games played and beat the Boks in the group stage and you come up with that tsunami of drivel you potatoe😅. BTW, Im.a Saffa so this is not a biased opinion. Anyone who says what you said about this Irish side is either very bitter or knows nothing about rugby. I assume its both.

[@Pacificbertaboy]

@@fomofud9479and yet after all those results Ireland still can’t get the ones that count. Because you focused into past victories you need to make the ones that count the most and 0/8 quarterfinals and back to back knockouts from NZ in 2019 & 2023 shows the team that can push it over where it counts and that’s NZ. Also the fact NZ have won more games in Ireland than Ireland have doesn’t give much room to gloat on about with a series victory in NZ. Ireland have won 1 series against NZ winning 6 series overall

[@Pacificbertaboy]

@@fomofud9479also where on earth did you get your 27 out of 30 games from??😂😂😂😂😂 as far as records show NZ have won 31 games to Irelands 5 and 1 draw 🤣 unless your talking about their recent run against all the teams they have faced? If that’s the case then 17 is the number they stopped winning at.

[@Bokgat]

Wow that’s a bold statement

[@Bokgat]

@@fomofud9479 means nothing for a World Cup quarters to final. The game we lost to Ireland coulda gone either way. The game we beat France in is no different. Ireland under Schmidt 8 years ago were so right for it or so they thought. They peaked too soon as I recall. My little boys rugby team in Singapore even had a break away called Singapore Irish only for Irish kids. So sure were they that they would win. Bigger chokers than the kiwis or French by a mile fact. Nz is renowned for choking to France. They got out of that voodoo in 2011 in Christchurch , but they may not have beaten France at home this time around. I guess we’ll never know.

[@will-i-am1605]

Pride before a fall! Andy Farrell said last week live "Ireland's team was a better team now without Joe Schmidt! The All Blacks have been in the same spot many times and have choked. Ireland didn't choke, they were beaten fair and square. Ireland are a great side, the best for many years! Here in NZ, 55% of people bet Ireland to win. We see the game and teams as they are. The teams of today are not the teams of the past and are not the teams of the future. Ireland will have its day! We are two great Rugby countries and should be proud. May we fight another battle in the not-too-distant future!

[@timseytiger9280]

In fairness they are better than under Schmitt. 4 years ago they didn't win the 6 nations, lost a group match to Japan and got beaten out the door by NZ in the quarter. Oh, and they got hockeyed by England in the warm ups.

[@killerangel4613]

Irelands best opportunity to beat us, before Razor and Jason Team take us to a new level. 😂

[@will-i-am1605]

Absolutely agree, can't wait!

[@scrumhalforegon]

Joe Schmidt can’t be begrudged some smug satisfaction. To be fair, the foundations for the ascendancy of Irish rugby was laid by Schmidt. I think Earls was astoundingly disrespectful when he rubbished Schmidt’s influence on the team.

[@will-i-am1605]

Yes, totally agree, no respect!

[@llRLllKingz]

You guys have no idea. In every scrum De groot is beating Furlong, Taylor is beating Sheehan. So what happens when porter stays still and the other 2 go backwards? Porter gets left behind so any push from him is sideways. Penalty

[@JaemanEdwards]

Nice easy to understand scrum analysis

[@MrDublin56]

You mean NZ played when it mattered.

[@unclejezza]

They didnt choke - they just lost. NZ fan.

[@Bloxnz]

Feel your pain. 2007 in Cardiff. Same for us. You have clearly being the best going around for a while and tripped up.

[@markwinter7511]

Hold your heads high Ireland it was small margins and certainly no choke. Yaall be baaack.

[@diggyzeus186]

CHOKED like every year since CHOKERS

[@henkstols9326]

Irelnd and France were absolutely amazing to watch in the pool stages, when the knock out games came up its where the wheels came off. England is worrying me as Bok supporter as they tend to have a big game in them, we need to focus on them next and then worry about the final. I dont care if we win the final even though we lost against Ireland in all honesty, I'm sure many teams wouldn't mind a loss and still take the trophy home.

[@firmfoundation7421]

ThEIR BIG GAME WAS BEATING fIJI

[@waynepirihi9769]

Your kidding yourself….Boks will rest some players but you still have the firepower in your team you play on Sunday.Boks will overcome and the wheels will come off England chariot… from a kiwi ABs all day

[@knoll9812]

Even the English don't see England puling out a bug game. However I know what it is like to feel nervous

[@craigozzn2212]

ireland had a great run. important to back up that form with 6nations atleast to show this run wasn't just a run. Sexton was a passenger last 20mins, should have been subbed. hope the new cap learns to kick kickable penalties. this is knockout rugby. scoreboard pressure is a killer

[@antonellaluque4532]

Couldnt care less about 6 nations already did grand slam, only world cup mattered,end of line for most these guys for next one.

[@arnoldbraunschweiger4828]

It seems the Irish appear to concede the obvious....says a lot when 14 ABs can hold out 15 Irish....and that's just for starters.....being ranked #1 is not a garrantee of success.....

[@JohnyTuff1]

Nah, Porter was getting absolutely buckled in the scrum by Lomax. Lomax was square and under him, so Porter had 1 legal option and that was to get pushed back...but he didnt want to do that so he angled in everytime pushing the scrum sideways. Porter was at 45 degree angle while Lomax was square. Porter did this every penalised scrum and Barnes even said it at the time. Go rewatch it.

[@Magic-gk9vg]

Lomax was solid enough to hold out Porter who then decided to bore in....but i guess they're speaking for their audience & no one else.

[@saints16o5o87]

ireland have got so used to dictating games and having a lead they seemed totally unprepared for the onslaught the ABs put on defensively from the 1st whistle. The bossing of the breakdown that Ireland have had was suddenly gone and they had no answer. Sexton looked like he was playing walking rugby in the last 15 minutes and Farrell couldnt have him replaced. choked again? I dont think so, they simply werent the best team on the night.

[@knoll9812]

Breakdown was massive.ireland used to winning in that area

[@rhycnnms239]

You all guys have forgotten that the All Blacks are perhaps the Greatest Team in Rugby History. YES, Ireland may have been a better team in the past 4 years due to Covid19 restrictons and SA leaving the SR but we are still the All Blacks. The Springboks are iur equal in many ways except we have better records head to head against them.

[@mikestray76]

They're actually the greatest team in the history of sport. That's all sports, not just rugby.

[@aniedav7075]

"Winners criticize themselves to improve, losers criticize others to justify." ~Orrin Woodward.

[@desirogers8091]

Kia ora. Excellent World Cup. To see the difference in styles of all the teams and how each has interpreted how this awesome game should be played, is Awesome! Noho ora mai.

[@dominicbritt]

What on earth are you moaning about the scrum? How many scrums did Ireland have in the game? If you don’t push straight, you aren’t playing within the rules and get penalised.

[@stonefish1972]

Give the Irish credit and respect as a top 3 team . They didn’t choke , they were beaten on the day by a better team with strategy and game plan and dogged spirit and guts . Kudos to both teams . Bok fan

[@CliffordCoopstad]

Choke i guess! 😁😂😂

[@brendanclarke8393]

Did you really have any doubts who would win look at Ireland record at world Cup s. Emassing. They lose before the game starts. Easy. Draw

[@albertmackie5021]

🇳🇿The All Blacks were gassed,2 Yellow Cards zapped their energy sources immensely and to never be headed under such adversity just shows how great this All Black machine is.The recent matches the ABs lost is through soft Yellow & Red cards..the most carded team in history❌🏉🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@Bokgat]

Making up for all their years’ of cheating by living on the wrong side of the ruck under macaw. Chickens come home to roost

[@hikurukutai]

Sexton did nothing but just pass ABZ just targeted the runners around him to old to slow

[@ZakLevi-oh2ec]

Cant blame the ref mate us kiwis hate Barnes. Our winning record under him is 45%! And he binned two of our players.. Abs dominated the scrum, lineouts and breakdowns. They figured out Irelands attack pattern and therefore were able to defend it well. The pressure also got to Ireland. They dont have world cup winners in their squad like we do. Not to mention the previous Irish lost series wouldve been added motivation. Ireland need to get an easy quarter next time to get over that mental hoodoo. In saying how awesome the Abs were Im genuinely worried about facing Argie. Recovering from such an emotional high is a difficult thing indeed. Just look at us in 2019 in the semifinal and then England ditto in the final.

[@TheWindy45]

Quit yout whinging. The ABS turned up and pummelled them at the breakdown. Ireland play well but lost the upfront bottle. 6 tries - 5 to kiwis and 1 to the english ref

[@wayneshilcock3027]

What a bunch of whininers, 100 of the bounce of the ball went the All Blacks way. All the referee decisions went against us. It wasn't the All Blacks putting so much pressure on the opposition and executing their game plan better under those conditions, ohh nooo. In my opinion, with incredible defence, Ireland didn't get going, because they were't allowed to. Had to laugh, "...one try and we probably run away with it..." . Seriously, give us some credit.

[@vincentmcdermott3412]

Sounds like a sore winner.

[@wayneshilcock3027]

@@vincentmcdermott3412 na just frustrated at the facts being twisted to form an excuse. Eliminating the incredible pressure the All Blacks put Ireland under for the second time. In this game, they didn't handle it as well as the South African game and these people didn't give the respect the All Blacks deserved. I felt when listening to this the All Blacks were lucky, had the Referee on their side and Ireland didn't play like they normally do and the bounce of the ball didn't go their way. As far as i'm concerned this isn't analyse, it's a psychiatrist chair discussion.

[@johntumai827]

One loss doesn’t define a team. Ireland is still one of the best teams in the world. We had 24 years of waiting for another win, meanwhile being ranked at the top or near the top all the way. Small margins won the game, Ireland was right there.

[@mikestray76]

"One loss doesn’t define a team..." No it doesn't....but losing 8 times in world cup quarterfinals might come to....

[@maxmusprime4070]

Tell that to an all black team . One loss your disowned , several your the worst team ever., coach is fired lol.

[@messenger6859]

I knew when Irland & France Gave Us A Hiding A Couple Yrs Ago That To Keep That Form All The Way To The World Cup Is More Than Just Impossible It’s Never Been Done So There Was Hope But The Mind Definitely Said Irland Was Winning This Game & My Mighty AllBlacks As Always Blew Me Away Again 😢😂❤🎉

[@luatala8008]

ABs kept Ireland in the game with 2 yellow cards and penalty try but you cannot deny 100 yrs of rugby superiority and dominance. The score honestly flattered Ireland.

[@patrickbrennan911]

I think we have to take a leaf out of South Africa’s book. Get bigger up front and crucially have two A teams. At least 2 top players in every position. That’s why South Africa have poor mid World Cup cycles and never win the rugby championship!! They are always building and experimenting.

[@aidanburns1485]

Couldn't agree more. Time to get more bulk in the team and at least two starters in each position.

[@BrettStealth]

IRE have been absolutely brilliant these last 2 years. Well drilled & strong minded with impressive solution-driven maturity. But, rugby is still played with odd shaped balls & players - implying there's still place to outmanoeuvre pragmatic analysis & failproof game plays. Sometimes, an opponent will want a win with even greater desperation, it happens.

[@craigrik2699]

Against 14 men, for 20 mins Ireland did get 7 points … they should have done better

[@Al-oe8ib]

Simple, the best team on the day won, no way did Ireland choke, they would probably have beaten any other team on the day. The ABs are looking very strong

[@goldenak25]

Lol ! Porter was angling in so much he looked almost 90 degrees

[@stephenkeyes5966]

Nz just have naturally better players than ireland

[@MeiA-h9r]

Facts

[@salestalk63]

The challenge for Ireland is was it a small period in history where Ireland have been strong or do they look to take on the behavior of the All Blacks and keep building better and stronger systems and players? New Zealand has been at the top for 100 years because they are ruthless with their time, energy and thinking.

[@knoll9812]

Ireland rugby is well managed and playing near potentiapookl from a small

[@bernieflynn4803]

Ireland coulda/shoulda won this game ! Knock out rugby is different - Kick the penalties on offer, Forget the past ! Hearing Andy Farrell say after the last pool game they were preparing for this game as " normal" suggested that the requirements of finals knockout rugby has not yet been appreciated- the result reinforces this.

[@Davidvx1468]

England has joined the rugby championship 😂🇿🇦

[@konefesa]

Year, So much of the supreme Northern rugby is the best in the world.

[@manioketama3644]

😂😂😂

[@_stutu2JZ]

Ireland did not choke, yes we won but to say they choked is disrespectful. In certain areas they played amazing. We just played a great game, a game we have been lacking to be honest. You'll get there lads 🇳🇿✌️

[@ManaBlack208]

Wat do u mean they'll get there?wat win a world cup?😅don't kid yourself bud this was their best chance of at least getting past the QF and once again going home

[@connorrice3873]

Talking about the double penalty as the turning point... nah, both games had clear turning points, each including one of brilliance and one of reffing. Jordie Barrett holding Ireland up over the line and then Doris dropping the resulting restart was THE moment in this game. The reffing one is Hansen's pass is VERY close to forward and the result was an Aaron Smith yellow, and Ireland then scored down his channel. In the RSA v FRA game, THE moment was Jalibert shanking his penalty backwards, which resulted in a messy French exit and almost a Kolbe linebreak, eventually resulting in the Etzebeth try. The reffing one was the VERY close knockdown by Etzebeth that prevented the French going up 2 tries, and him likely being in the bin for 10 and (possibly) getting a red for his later head clash.

[@DJ-ct6so]

Agree 100%, you saw it exactly the way that I did.

[@mikestray76]

The turning point was the whistle at the start of the game.

[@muddhutter]

Ireland underestimated the All Blacks. They were blinded by their past success. What happened last year is irrelevant. This is a different All Black Team. A new front row etc. Even a change in the coaching staff excluding Foster. I am amazed the Irish never saw this or considered they were playing a different AB team. This is knockout rugby and NZ knows what is required to get to a final. Ditto for South Africa and England. The Irish will learn and yes it has to be the hard way.

[@rochellehowell3230]

Here here 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Neil-o8r]

Ireland are a second tier team- the quarter finals are their ceiling. Perhaps Ireland could play a few games against Portugal and Fiji to pick up some tips and help develop their game.

[@marcdaniels9079]

Lol 😅

[@Dunnerstunner369]

As an AB fan we have been here before, multiple world cups and it hurts. The best thing the AB's did after 2007 was to actually own how they perform under pressure. The whole "despite all these things going against them" attitude wont get you far next WC. Take a look at the controllables; shanking an easy kick, poor cleans, poor lineouts, shelling high balls, missing tackles off set phase strikes.

[@BlazeEigs]

Welcome to the inner sanctum of the Proteas cricket side. Its a tough one, sorry to say it but it doesnt stop.

[@josephharley9448]

The Irish media had so much hype Facing the ABs in a knock out game Ireland SHOULD be underdogs

[@AbcdEfgh-zp1sn]

Paul o connell needs to go .the lineout was a shambles

[@CouncilofOneElectronic]

And the scrum was garbage.

[@AbcdEfgh-zp1sn]

What I found very annoying was o connell made mention of Andrew porter scrum troubles but made no mention of a completely dysfunctional lineout. No ownership of his own problems

[@janniemeyer9951]

As a Saffa, Sextant lost it for Ireland. The team did not choke, but he did. Going for the corners not the posts clearly showed he had a point to prove. A young team without historically blocked minds will take the Cup. Best way forward is to assert yourselves during the 6 Nations and at Club Level.

[@mikebarker6979]

Going for the corner instead of the 3 points isn't arrogance. It's a calculated decision with potential pros and cons. Just like going for it on 4th down in American Football.

[@azalianieuwenhuys8844]

​@@mikebarker6979it is arrogance when your lineout is in shambles...they did the same thing against SA and the same players in the Leinster team made the same decisions two years in a row and it cost them trophies...arrogance is not learning...

[@rochellehowell3230]

Exactly…take the points which he was well able to get over…line outs were shocking and yet they still chose to kick for touch instead of 3 pointers…knockout rugby

[@kiwimark3875]

Playing against 14 men for a quarter of the game. AB's are on a trajectory and the coach we've been waiting for is coming onboard. This was your shot and fell short. You'll likely do better without Sexton, the guy was a shuffling, unimaginative passenger.

[@katatonickiwi8310]

The next 4 years in AB rugby will be REALLY interesting. Half the starting 15 that was on display for the ABs on Sat, won't be there after the RWC. We're losing a LOT of experience in the foward pack and backline. However I have confidence that Razor will get a new squad purring pretty quick.

[@LUAPIGNAR]

@garyjenkinson7189 being on the losing side any comment is painful. One shouldn't count their eggs until they're hatched! 17 straight wins Ranked #1 all comes undone at RWC time.

[@paulandersen8396]

Ireland didnt choke, but relied too much on an easily read backline cutout move. Sexton was ignored because the All Blacks knew he wasnt going to run.

[@SioneDunk]

The Irish perspective is an interesting one. 2x sin bins as well as a penalty try yet the theme is calls going against Ireland. The fact of the matter is it was a heavy weight test match between two of the best rugby nations in the world. All Blacks form fluctuated leading into the WC however they have not been consistently bad. They turned up to the quarter final and defeated an outstanding Irish side who performed well. NZ pressured the Irish set piece and matched up physically. NZ were desparate defending broken play when Ireland broke the line. Simply put, NZ were better on the day but that doesn't discredit Ireland.

[@enahsalaat]

I hear violins playing here. The only thing missing is a box of tissues.

[@JaemanEdwards]

They're from Ireland, so they must be fiddles playing.

[@7884golfguru]

As an AB supporter, Ireland did not choke ,they were magnificent ❤❤❤

[@Trajan2401]

Exactly they were magnificent but lost that's a choke

[@lukawilliams4822]

Allblacks won the game Ireland didn’t lose the game

[@korocam9137]

Almost 10 minutes before any credit given to the All Blacks. Then the last minute writing them off again? Come on guys, sore losers!

[@alanmcgeever2497]

Obviously they are going to spend the time to analyze their own team first especially after the biggest game/lost of their tournament. They spoke very highly of them throughout. And they have every right to give their opinion on who will win the final that’s an honest opinion. Not writing them off. Just because they didn’t brown nose them doesn’t mean they’re sore losers. Don’t be ridiculous. It was a fair analysis

[@korocam9137]

@@alanmcgeever2497 fair enough mate.

[@andrieskruger2784]

Maybe NZ supporters should have sing Zombie to the Irish......

[@saren6538]

Maybe I should sing zombie to your misses

[@petrinacook9338]

I remember when NZ lost to France in the quarter finals I think 2003, when it looked like we were going to win. I was devastated and it took a quite a few days to get over it, but I did. I still supported the AB's. It will hurt but you do get over it and look forward to not the next World Cup but the next game they will play and I will be in the stands still cheering them on.

[@sunnynz6628]

No.1 in the world, the best IRE team ever. This is the worth ABs team said the Irish.

[@Andrew-ch1zf]

As a kiwi we know how it feels to be the best in the world and not win the World Cup. It’s happened to us about 4 times

[@paulpurves484]

Ireland choked like they always do in the World Cup.

[@RobertOshea-wt4pm]

All Black fan we have been here, Ireland will learn from this and be stronger teams

[@denverfletcher9419]

Easily the best game New Zealand have played in the last 4 years, I agree. As a New Zealander I didn't think we were capable of it. I hoped we would win but expected Ireland to win. I really feel for the side. I would note that New Zealanders know what it's like to go into a world cup as the number 1 ranked side and not win. We know what it's like to go in as the reigning champions and not win. You can't have the glory without the heartbreak. I believe Irish rugby is in its best shape for 40 years. That game should have been the final.

[@denverfletcher9419]

We know what it's like to be called chokers, too. It is what it is. Ireland will be back, I have no doubt.

[@NikkiBikkiNZ]

Yes and the All Blacks learned from there mistakes and turned things around, they learned to worry about what you can control and not worry about what you cant, it comes down to decision making under pressure

[@Bloxnz]

Since Johannesburg July last year 2022. Best since then yes.

[@St_AngusYoung]

How could you consider Ireland's performance a choke? Both teams threw everything at each other, including the kitchen sink. It was a fantastic game that could've gone either way. I think if Ireland had their time over again, maybe they would kick for goal rather than for touch when they were in range.

[@SlowfingerJC]

Ireland definitely didn't choke, they were choked by the AB tactics and the AB's had to play at a new level to withstand Ireland.

[@lazarusdigital]

The Irish didn't choke but they did underestimate their opponent. They have had a great run lately and I fell they thought that would continue just because. Never underestimate the All Blacks.

[@johnmerito8035]

I have enjoyed Irish Rugby over last four years and Bundee Aki ... with our ex kiwi halfback Jamison gave their very best in the final so thankyou Irish rugby. I think all the ingrediants are there for Ireland and Joe Scmidtt showed the potential ... Stay strong and get a Kiwi coach to bring out the next Mike Gibson ... I think leadership should be strengthened over next four years... those league defence lines are predictable as beaudys little kick showed...All the best!!!

[@CouncilofOneElectronic]

Sounds a lot like sarcasm but hey enjoy yourself.

[@danieliuli1484]

Sweet Jesus and nothing mentioned how maybe they ( the Irish) underestimated NZL. Both sides were simply going toe to toe. Small margins but the better side won on that day. 15 on 14 and Ireland didn’t capitalised!