Jack Conan's searingly honest, emotional RWC QF post-match reaction

[@Slipperygecko390]

As an ABs fan. Ireland gave us the best contest the ABs have had in years, Ireland showed the ABs how good they can be. Whatever the hell happened out there in the last 10 minutes was truly something that may never be matched in Rugby again, you have to hold your heads up high about that Ireland. Sexton mightn't have won a WC, but he's left the the Irish Jersey and the sport of Rugby world wide in a better place than what it was when he first pulled on that Jersey.

[@tyronegaa]

Great comment thanks. It really was a match fitting for a final, an epic war. I'll watch it back again in a few days when the crippling pain has subsided a little bit!

[@dairet1945]

Nice comments, super match.

[@IainHirons]

You weren’t too good the other day against the Bokke……one swallow doesn’t make a summer……..

[@silversolver7809]

Well said, gracious winners seem to be few in the comments, so thank you. Best of luck to ABs.

[@DoloresDuggan]

Thanks, disappointed but our boys did us proud. Hope U go all the way

[@enzeda]

Respect and Friendship Ireland, from a NZer

[@christinaforde4101]

Always 🇮🇪🍀💚.

[@conoconnor4375]

Respect from Ireland, two good team's, with less than a score in it.

[@conchronic]

Thanks lucky ye got us and not the boks we always choke in QFs ,France were desperate to get us know we lack the mental strength to win so disappointing but predictable

[@silverbackbruv6335]

Ireland came to our country and talk shit to our captain and we they get respect ? Hell nawwww - seeeeee ya

[@Coreylahey1000]

​@silverbackbruv6335 back to bed with you silverbackbogan

[@seamusweber8298]

In the immediate aftermath of losing a very tight game, that is a great interview. Thank you Jack and thank you to the rest of the squad and the team management for doing our country proud. You always play your heart out Jack and the fans see this. Thanks

[@berrlett]

Kiwi here, credit to Ireland for being part in one of the most memorable QFs in rugby history. That last 3 minutes going through 37 phases inside NZ 22 was unbelievable, it took massive experience in Whitelock to pull us out of massive trouble.

[@lusarshameli7057]

I think those teams are evenly matched. I can also add S.A & England there. That's the topmost tier of rugby in the world.

[@thomassavage8128]

England are not good. Eddie Jones left his mark on them as he now has on Aussies

[@tomforsyth109]

@@lusarshameli7057 Surely you meant France rather than England?? The top 4 in the world (regardless of exact order) has been quite clear for a year or two. England probably showing themselves to be rivalling Scotland for 5th, but apart from a commendable performance against Argentina they still haven't convinced, even vs Fiji.

[@nzfreeski]

So tough for Ireland and their fans, it's the most gutting feeling, and Kiwis also know this feeling. You guys led the world and set the standrad for the past 2+ years. That took every ounce of AB's effort to hold on.

[@conchronic]

Yes but we choked again so a bit meaningless whatever we did prior to world cup because we can't do it in the big one

[@taraann7753]

I am so so sorry..I have followed and watched your every game and have felt so proud how you gave your all at all games..Thank you for the joy you brought to us..🇮🇪.

[@scottgresham6759]

As a kiwi, there was a lot of talk about this Irish side in NZ and how they had really developed into a world class team, one of the best Irish sides for a long time. From the quarter finals it's dog eat dog, do or die. Full respect to Ireland for their performance in this world cup.

[@conchronic]

We have lost for the 8th time in a QFs we are chokers till we overcome that curse

[@zuko9675]

​@@conchronickeep ya head up, man. Ireland, played really well. Next WC may be your time

[@shaneglackin]

@@conchronic Are you just going to make the same stupid comment on every single post here? Your village misses you.

[@conchronic]

@zuko9675 I ve been saying that for 32 years 😔 maybe the next one, but I won't believe it till we get past a QF only tier one team, barring italy not to get to a semi .Not so bitterly disappointing when weren't as good in the past, but this was an excellent irish team. I thought they could do it to get past a QF but choked again

[@conchronic]

@shaneglackin yes because it's true you have to insult me because you can't accept it or understand it I m not responsible for your lack of intellectual capacity or analytical paucity.

[@oakleavez1901]

This is the 1st RWC I've been watching. I am an Englishman with an new Irish friend at my Uni who's a massive Rugby fan. Although I am an England supporter I was and I expected Ireland to win this match and this World Cup, and was giving my support for Ireland all this time. This was such a close game and considering what they've done as a team in recent years it was heart-breaking for us all after this match was over. I hope the curse is lifted in the next RWC 🍀🤍🌹

[@christinaforde4101]

Thank you so much. 🙏🇮🇪🍀💚.

[@MrPoepope]

Lovely stuff. Such a bummer for the lads in green.

[@Harry-fc5qd]

Well spoken Jack, comiserations. There's a difference between losing a game because you didn't try & losing game after giving it your all. Ireland gave it their all.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

Not sure that consolation would raise his mood somehow.😢😢

[@JosephFallon]

And thank you Mr Conan - it's been a wild ride !

[@Bob-me8md]

Maith an fear. We are unbelievably proud and will always be there behind ye lads. Onwards and upwards.

[@gumbyrotten]

Johnny Sexton was an incredible leader, he did deserve more. Just like Brian O'Driscoll .. The Irish team set the standard the past few years, I say well done. Erin Go Braugh

[@Largallama]

That was more like a world cup final, what a brilliant test match, credit to both sides. I do believe that the AB`s knew they had to play there best rugby in a long time to beat this fantastic Irish side.

[@eamontdmas]

No complaints. New Zealand were extraordinary and good luck to them for the rest of the tournament. Being the best in the world is no guarantee of a World Cup title. New Zealand know that better than anyone. But we should celebrate these players. They have taken us to the top table, a place we have never been before. Whether we stay there in the years to come is the big question. I think that given the set-up we have and the strength of the club and national competitions we play in, I honestly think that we have emerged as a major rugby nation alongside NZ, SA, France, England and Australia.

[@nolan1907]

I agree that Ireland is now one of the top rugby nations.

[@kenrehill8775]

New Zealand weren’t extraordinary, they showed themselves to be quite beatable. Ireland have been creaking for weeks, and now will lose a big lump of players. The system is good, and works well, and you’ve got good u20s coming through, but the refs are onto ireland now and need to remain so. When Porter is stopped from his constant cheating, he becomes useless, as do a few others. Barnes nailed them early on, and they lost their way without their cheating. Barnes still missed at least 8 forward passes.

[@conchronic]

Maybe but can't do it in world cups so haven't earned our spurs .We are the only tier one team barring italy who haven't made a semi final so the facts don't lie 8 QF defeats even our best team ever couldn't do it. Can't be considered to be in that company till we win a QF

[@z9Vxk]

The wallabies are as good as Romania right now

[@conchronic]

@@z9Vxk maybe but ireland would have lost to them in a QF as choking curse remains

[@bentuber1]

Immensely proud of these lads, more so than any of the previous irish squads, they will come again. I've no doubt. A real team

[@williamwalker3837]

Fantastic Jack. It was a privilege. NZ put in over 100 tackles in that last few minutes. That tells you everything. It will take me a few days to recover. Well done again and thanks

[@paulsweeney5642]

Great post match interview

[@chinpak5720]

Have been a big soccer/football fan for >30 years, rugby for just about 7-8. Never seen a losing player in big game who genuinely appreciated "fans spending their hard earned money to support us" after soccer/football match. I think it's because big soccer stars have lost all sense of money whilst rugby players, even stars, know they still work super hard for every $.

[@encorefootball]

Footballers have too many famboys and get invited to to VIP parties too much. Nrcs on steroids

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Heartbroken for the whole team. Listening to Jack Conan talking about Jonny Sexton made me cry, it just shows how much JS is thought off by his team mates. Please, hold your heads high, take a little time to feel sad and disappointed BUT then pick yourselves up and carry on, like I know you can. ☘💚🇮🇪☘💚🇮🇪☘💚🇮🇪☘💚🇮🇪☘💚🇮🇪

[@fu8713]

Johnny come lately is a big sook 😭😭 yall need harrrden up too arrogant

[@taraann7753]

@@fu8713Keep your nose out where it’s not wanted..who cares what you think..we all know where you hale from.

[@christoduplessis8177]

Jonny is not a class act, in fact, he is the opposite of a class act. Got exactly what he deserved. Nothing 👍

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

This is a scrap of arrogance to the Irish, and I’d much rather someone has a heart, than be like a cold stone. I feel sorry for people like you. @@fu8713

[@sorchx]

​@@christoduplessis8177Why you say that?

[@barryosullivan1486]

Never been so gutted after a game. So much respect for this Irish team and I think that why I feel so deflated but we can bounce back and if we keep on the track we are on the door to a semi final and beyond will open.

[@csjrogerson2377]

Everyone, even non rugby fans, should feel honoured to be able to watch such a match. The Irish always seem to have at least one supreme icon of rugby in their team.

[@MrUser1million]

The media need to be absolutely grateful and appreciate this mans testimony and time.

[@grainneburke3126]

So proud to be Irish the Team gave it all Thank you Andy and Jonny you are amazing hold your heads up you did Ireland proud 💚🇮🇪☘️

[@penepatitenor]

As a kiwi, that game was so well fought by the Irish and a fantastic team you have, and to achieve what you have achieved. Its sucks to bow out in a cup that was seemingly yours. We know that feeling more than any other team. The kiwis feel this pressure all the time because of their status in the sport… and you can imagine the flack we get every time we lose. But yal will be back, and it’ll be fire!! Till then.

[@coreydonkin5941]

What a game. End of story. Awesome

[@NipponKiwi]

Respect for the Irish Team! From New Zealand

[@ch0ptLiva]

Had me on the edge of my seat as an All Black fan watching from NZ. Bloody awesome game of rugby.

[@JACKAL98]

My top 3 favourite teams is All blacks because im from New Zealand, Springboks because of our historic rivalry and Ireland for our mutual brotherhood. Stay strong ireland #2027RWC for ireland!

[@mskatefish]

I really felt for Ireland. They tried so hard

[@Martin-oz6lr]

Hopefully Sexton will be a part of a management team in the future that does lift the cup for Ireland.

[@albieapiatawebsitebuilder7872]

Yo Ireland, we been there.... Kia Kaha, its ok, you will be ok :)

[@dsm577]

What a man

[@antonrudenham3259]

As an Englishman I feel fake and I feel that my team actually deserves to go out against Fiji this afternoon, let's say that the unthinkable happens and England make it to the final and a miracle (or a daft red) occurs and they win, I won't feel proud and I won't be able to hold my head high because this weekend two teams that are absolutely miles better than England will have gone out. Anything after the Irish/AB game yesterday is going to be an anti climax because in my opinion the two top teams met far too early in the contest. World rugby needs to have a chat with itself about rankings and when to arrange the groups, it needs to be done no more than a year before the next RWC. In previous RWC's the winner has been unequivocal, uncontested and undebatable but sadly not so this time. This time the result will always be tainted by the question of the insane group stages and the 'what iffery' regarding lumping in the best 4 in two groups. My wife and I were literally screaming for Ireland yesterday in that last 10, our dogs still aren't speaking to me and I am absolutely gutted about the result. However, on the bright side you ought to walk the 6 nations next year if you play with half the passion and intensity you showed yesterday and then there's always the next WC.

[@mvubu6823]

Strongly suggest watching the SA v France game... it's going to be at the same level.

[@bodhid]

England have won every game they’ve played so they are where they deserve to be. No team Flukes it’s way to a RWC and England have played 4 Finals and lost 3 of them so a bit of luck was overdue. I certainly wouldn’t be ‘ashamed’ if they win it.

[@sicelobangani8618]

Ultimately you have to bit the strongest team before you get to lift Web Ellis, whether you meet the team at quarters, semis or final.

[@gideonsanders6514]

Sad but true reality is that no Northern Hemisphere team has any chance you lifting a WC trophy for the next 12 years,,i mean the 6 nation's aint a real comp now is it???

[@joanlarkin7808]

Thank you from an Irish fan.

[@owainjohns2815]

welsh lad gutted for you all as well, it was one hell of a game, so much better than the Wales game.

[@JoseStev]

Trisexual lad gutted for Ireland also

[@owainjohns2815]

learn English@@JoseStev

[@Peter-yb8ys]

As a South African I rooted for the All Blacks as they were under dogs and everyone wants to see the world no 1 , 17 match winning streak knocked off the perch but I feel a bit gutted for Ireland now. It doesn’t feel just that they lost. Cruel game. I felt the stars were aligned and they were going to win it this year.

[@theradfactor9104]

Ireland overrated. One trick pony. Choked yet again. Your South Africa would have beaten them in that first game if they were wanted.

[@nolan1907]

I also feel sad for Ireland, but as a Springbok supporter, we know that the All Blacks can step up at any time. I hope we defeat France, but I'm nervous.

[@carlosc6799]

@@theradfactor9104 I hope we dont choke against france today....got a bad feeling man...

[@antonellaluque4532]

​​@@carlosc6799wont be a choke cuz sa arnt favourite, your expected to lose, dont get your hopes up

[@TheRedhenProductions]

@@theradfactor9104 Jesus Christ, lose one game and they’re overrated?

[@p0t0b]

Well said nailed it!

[@ferghilhenderson8735]

What a great amazing group of Irish players - you, every man of you, has done our country proud. You deserved to win but was not to be on the night. However I could not watch all 3:20 the match when I saw the name of the referee - he seems to have a bias against Irish teams and there were several instances in the game that penalties were awarded that should have been awarded to Ireland but strangely were awarded to NZ! We have suffered in this manner before. But our team was a team of MEN, a team embolden in everything that is good in sport, a team of heroes and we thank you for all the wonderful memories. May God bless you all. Thanks👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@mickymouse6285]

Sorry to say, But this is NOT about Johnny. That is the problem it was made about him. NZ knew that and they knew that Leinster has had a good few bad seasons and there mentally for the big games and being able to finish off team wasn't there. I feel that 9&10 should had being changed at the hour mark because we were not controlling the game and a lot of our players were not playing collectively. The players were tied and battered and the pressure should have been taken of 9&10 with Murray and Crowley. Crowley is 15 years younger and helped to win the league for Munster. He has a winning mentally.

[@patrickyoung3503]

Fair play to New Zealand , they truly got revenge for the previous loss to us . Ireland really did there best to win , but nobody can tell me a brake was not on in the final ten minutes . It's a pity nobody told the team it was a hand brake . From an old Irish fan . Now lads ,head down & let's start again , you know you can do it next time .

[@toconair]

Absolutely 💯

[@kevindonohoe4930]

Well said Jack !!!!!

[@mikeymac4249]

I completely believe the reason NL had the edge is because they rotated players better in the group games. They always had one eye on the quarter finals even at group stage... This resulted in them being more refreshed. Unfortunately form listening to Irish pundits they don't get this - it's not necessarily that they choked, it's more so they were that little bit too drained coming into it. This is a clear pattern that has happened in every world cop for Ireland now and I'm just perplexed people can't see something that's so obvious

[@isaactamani1541]

So true, Ireland forwards average 320mins gametime, All Blacks forwads averaging 210mins, makes a big difference when it's 20mins to go in a vital match like the QF.

[@firey9998]

Ireland couldn’t really rest players, against Scotland and South Africa. The pool grouping was a complete joke. ENGLAND ARE IN A SEMI FINAL. WDF. They haven’t played a tier 1 team yet.

[@conchronic]

Ireland rotated previous years didn't work just choke every QF ,we were brave committed both basically choked again . Did nt bring our best game , did nt address line-out or scrum problems and made bad decisions all symptoms of choking

[@harryocallaghan8082]

Jack was phenomenal when he came on. Brought real intent on his carrying. Thought he looked big and physical and very fit. Doris looked tired and a bit off the mark at times and we probably could’ve done with Conan starting this game.

[@luatala8008]

The irish played their best and maxed out. The ABs played as well as you can expect any team to play however I think they can play EVEN better. Just a few very minor twinks needed. Unsure if that’s the best ive seen the ABs play but for absolute team work and discipline they were top top notch!!!

[@noelwhelan4118]

Don’t beat yourselves up to much, that was a de facto semifinal. Well done!

[@NipponKiwi]

Yeap, this World Cup Draw was shite!

[@everymangamer1608]

Congratulations ABs. They were incredible and performed when it mattered most under white hot pressure.

[@bernardmcguinness4394]

We have arrived on the world stage as a true contender and with our set up as it is , I think we will always be a force to reckon with, Andy and the lads have done everyone proud, their can be no shame or remorse, these guys are warriors

[@karlosdeevs]

yh, at least we went out fighting instead of going out with a wimper like so many time before..

[@bernardmcguinness4394]

Our set up allows us to dream, we've come a long way, you can say we'll never see another sexton or bod. Bod has been surpassed, we have an up and coming generation that is already wining and dining at the top table , the priority for the irfu is to make sure that the right people are in place to bring all of our talent to the fore????

[@karlosdeevs]

@@bernardmcguinness4394 and so will Sexton. Someone will fill the platter regardless, ya find another way if it don't work fully like this..

[@michaeldoran515]

​

[@bonobobob]

jaysus lads it's sport. abit of a laugh. entertainment. fun. not a bloody funeral. nobody died.

[@robroy8485]

It’s just a game. No one was raped , tortured or lost a loved one. Hard luck Ireland, your courage and humility in defeat is very admirable. Keep building you’re doing lots right 👍🏻

[@darm1735]

Johnny Sexton a legend, not so sure of that statement, after this missed opportunity, sadly. Mike Gibson, Willie John McBride and O’Driscoll would be absolute Irish LEGENDS, in most eyes. But happy retirement too a great modern day player. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@garybaltiejus7248]

I think the favourites tag might have acted as choke collar in the end, but in hindsight this experience may help Ireland in future rwc campaigns

[@tewaewae]

have choked at 1/4 final stage for 40 years. RWC is tough. That said Ireland should be immensely proud of this team.

[@jmo8934]

They didn’t choke. NZ just brought their A game and Ireland were a little off. Probably the set piece cost us more than any other single aspect and it was a problem even in the pre tournament games.

[@Charlieb6308]

Without being brutal. The difference between good and great teams is fine margins. Great teams grind out wibs from nothing. Well played to both

[@MrAhuapai]

As an AB fab one can commiserate with Irish fans . It sucks losing at knockout stage. This Irish team is one of the greats but because of the health of Irish rugby, just because you are losing some great players Ireland will not go away as a top rugby nation. I expect to see them back in the QFs next RWC in Australia and this experience will help them a lot to get that win . Mark my words.

[@darrencleary8047]

I'm going through the 7 stages of grief, haven't got to acceptance yet 😢

[@mcgilling]

I wouldn't beat yourselves up about the QF curse. Ireland essentially made either the final or semifinals. They beat SA, smashed Scotland, and came agonisling close against the ABs. The only thing they deserved was to play 2 more games whether it was a final or a 3rd playoff, it does feel cruel thats it for such a great team with class acts like Sexton. Hopefully for rugby France can being it home to get a new name on the Webb Ellis Trophy

[@greatnation69]

​@alphapillybe prepared to die

[@riefaatdaniels9635]

​@alphapillyone of the two mate

[@christoduplessis8177]

​@alphapillyhahahaha and I am here to see it 😘

[@bengormley2517]

well said Jack

[@isitwasit8756]

The reality of sport never plays out like it does in the movies.. no one deserves to be handed anything on a plate.. you have to earn it and that includes the Webb ellis trophy ...

[@aworipat]

Ireland, even if you didn't make it past the quarters in this RWC you surely cant believe that Irish Rugby is in the same place as it was even 4 years ago!!! Talk to New Zealand about what it is like to be the best team that hasn't won a World Cup!!!!! Dont regret anything....excellent season.....wonderful Rugby .....the nature of sport is like this it can be oh so cruel

[@Dirkdigglar461]

Ireland played so well but so did everyone else and that’s the problem 😊 I just can’t a team like this coming out of Ireland again for a long time 😢

[@jpkuyler6316]

We will see when South Africa wins this world cup. Until the final whistle blows in the final South Africa is world champions and soon back to back champions. We will grind the AB with the green machine, Eben showed that South Africa’s physicality is brutal. He scored a try with 3 defenders holding on to him. Big pappa!

[@RoyBattyLives]

You couldn’t have given us more pride, even if ye won the thing. We’ll do it again, for Johnny, for Ireland and the thrill of it all

[@GoldenbanjoDJ]

It was a crazy game, really. AB's took every chance they had and Ireland did let themselves down with some very uncharacteristic basic errors. The lineout wobbled again, running into tackles isolated, not winning the aerial battle, silly unforced knock-ons, a mountain of scrum penalties and general inexcusably bad discipline, that final held-up non-try. NZ won the mental battle - before the game even kicked off. This quarter final curse is real. We melted with the occasion.

[@geoffnelson6756]

I'm personally devastated, as Jack Conan says here Sexton and the team merited so much more, it just feels that the rugby gods said 'no' giving away the two early penalties, the numerous scrum penalties against Porter, the bad bounces and so on, multiple little things all combining to rob them of a potential place in the final. The script was written, but sport doesn't always follow the script. I think I feel most disappointed in that Ireland lost it, rather than NZ winning it.

[@Shamo-yc4vy]

Disappointing that Sexton couldn't slot the penalty. If he had gotten it would have make the last 10minutes very different. His chip to Barrett also a waste. I am sure he is very disappointed about those two moments

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

What the hell. All three NZ tries were the result of big defensive errors. Nothing to do with Sexton’s kicking.

[@tommyzoo]

I am sure he is but that isn’t the treason for their defeat ! NZ missed a pen too so that balances out and had the odd poor kick that balances the other one too. But Sexton cannot and should not feel disappointed about anything he has done on or off the pitch. Classic contest

[@dairet1945]

NZ missed a couple of kicks too, Sexton was very good as he always was.

[@sinking1902]

I didn’t think he played great tbh. He was ok…Ireland bottled it I’m afraid to say. Terrible at the lineout. Some silly penalties given away. Poor at the ruck. Not taking points on offer. They were also very lucky against South Africa. The Kiwis in the Irish team are oblivious to the pressure…The homegrown potato heads melt under the big pressure.

[@tommyzoo]

@@sinking1902 clearly you watched a different game. You also want a reaction too which is a bit sad. Most watched a great match that could easily have gone either way. But you are desperate for attention. Crack on

[@johnflynn7844]

I know i bet against ireland making it out of the quarter finals but il take no pleasure in collecting my winnings, the lads give it their all & the country should be proud of them

[@paulmcmahon4087]

Must be a dublin man betting against your country😒

[@niallsheehan474]

That you ROG ?

[@guimarboy]

Not necessarily. This is a unique group of players.

[@oceanspear34red75]

This is what happens when you focus too much on the end goal and not the obstacle in front of you. Learn from this and move on to the next. All the best ireland. You will come back stronger.

[@CWO244]

To much emphasis on Johnny, all players sacrifice a lot be at that level. He was so tired the last 10 Min, maybe they should've replaced him? Congrats to NZ, hope we will see you in the final🇿🇦

[@CB-rv9kb]

The secret to challenging the all blacks is to put as many New Zealanders in your team as possible

[@nolan1907]

I really feel sad for Ireland, but when you come up against the All Blacks in a QF world cup match, you better understand that you are going up against the greatest team in history, a 3 time world champion. No matter if you are ranked no1. Let me just say that I hope our Springboks beat France, it is going to be very tough.

[@michaelpower4372]

Why are you feeling sorry for us (Ireland) if ye lost we wouldn't feel sorry for ye.🤨

[@nolan1907]

@@michaelpower4372 I don't care if you won't feel sorry. You don't speak for Ireland son.

[@michaelpower4372]

Let's hope Argentina get there game plain together next Saturday. Argentina, Argentina, Argentina, Argentina,

[@paulchalmers4392]

Knockout Rugby! Wow!!

[@Lesssvav]

Don’t let Johnnys loss here be in vain. Coming from a Kiwi, I’ve seen GREAT AB’s never win one. Lomu, Cullen, Umaga, Collins, Spencer etc… But the seed they sowed allowed the next squads to win. Ireland will be back

[@BakkiesRugby]

Heads up Ireland , there is no reason to be upset .. you came all the way to the quarters ... no one saw that coming . you have every reason to be proud , equalling your previous record.

[@graemereilly1806]

No player even Johnny deserves so much more. playing for your country at a world cup is part of sport, it shows that they were going out there expecting to win and do it for Johnny. That was thier downfall, the mother of all fuckups. Expectations

[@louisgraham8497]

I heard him say “there’ll be a time where Irish rugby will go all the way and win a quarter final.” I thinking someone should tell him there is still 2 games to go after the quarter final. Winning a quarter final is not all the way

[@neillscan]

Good man Jack Conan. Now Jack Crowley take a big breath ,puff out your chest and give it your best it's your turn.

[@cthlite]

New Zealand were number 1 today. Next week, if they are 5% off their game Argentina could win. Next week will be Argentina's GF game. They have beat NZ twice in the last 4 years. The ABs will have to be absolutely on their game. And some team members have to be rested and some have part games. So the ABs squad has to aim up completely. Nothing is a given in a treble knockout competition. And in the last 4 years this team has only won 30% of their games against top 5 nations, and never two in a row. They have to win 3 big games in a row. So the heat is just going to ramp up with each game.

[@cuananderson861]

As a Springbok fan I feel Irelands pool and run of games was a bit harsh / unfair. How is it that England could make it to a semi final and Ireland are literally 10 x better than them 🤔……

[@Sabundy]

Because rugby is run and governed by idiots. World rugby are utterly useless.

[@thysjohns9810]

Respect the Black Jersey.s..the roots comes a long way ..The final is in Sight for them..they will lift the trophy this year

[@timmo491]

Unlucky mate keep going. All the best from England.

[@Kaos-p3j]

Well done ireland equalled your best WC ever use should be proud😊

[@johnomahony5241]

It was lost by the bounce of a ball

[@adelemalan6372]

I really admire these Irish players humility in defeat, especially knowing their huge dissapointment. I am sorry to say it appears not to be the case with the French. They have blamed everybody, except themselves for their loss. They must realise everybody on that field played their hearts out and to now say SA cheated and had the ref in their pocket is grossly unfair even if said in dissapointment.

[@johnrogers6047]

We can fault the mistakes the scrum the line outs and the knock ons

[@barry2924]

Don't remember Ireland winning a penalty from the scrum, after matching south africa in that department I'm shocked they were dominated so badly tonight, line put definitely an issue but it's fine margins you can't fault there effort, well done lads unlucky

[@andrewashmore8000]

Something was off motivationally with the team , they didn't seem totally up for the fight. Missing James Ryan was a massive blow imo. Maybe it was with Johnny , he seemed somewhat out of sorts. But all the players just seemed off the mark for some reason. Even in decision making , for example Gibson Park passed to van de flerk when he had no one to support him at the breakdown. Gibson Park over played in terms of speed at times , slight delay would have been better. That's poor situational awareness on his part. The players were just tired not fast enough by split seconds to get to the breakdown and defend. Hence turn over ball or penalty . There was a mental tiredness or anxiety in the team for some reason. It's a pity for all the players , they truly had the potential to win.

[@chucktee8088]

Johnny deseved that QF 😂😂😂 the pundits and fans jinxed this. All that cockiness came back to haunt them.

[@Ciaranmch]

Lot of nice comments from kiwis on here. Which is nice. Fuck me im depressed. Can only imagine how the team must feel.

[@CaseyKCRichards]

We had this in the bag but we gave up to many penalty kicks . I said it before the match we can’t afford to give away penalty kicks. That is what cost us the match. The following day.. i am feeling the pain of this loss. 🇮🇪🇺🇸☘️

[@opticnerve8927]

after the game, they are saying we should have won that game!!! Absolute delusional the All Blacks were by a mile the better team!!!

[@palmereldritch8277]

Well. Life isn't fair, Baldrick. If it was, things like this wouldn't happen, would they.

[@geoffnelson6756]

Jack played with one boot for the last 3 or 4 minutes.

[@andyanderson5326]

Heart breaking for all ye Irish. Just got carried away with greatness and forgot this was a grudge match, and carried on with thinking greatness. Now the mighty have fallen. Hard.

[@user-wv4xc1us6u]

Oh well had their chances, against a good but not classic all black team… 14 players for 20 minutes and still couldn’t get it done. ( take the points on offer, especially in knockout matches ) Much Maligned English team are the only ones left from the famed “home nations “ As for wales… for reasons known only to themselves they will persist with gatling.

[@rexprangnell6815]

A sorry sight to see ,the irish i believe thought that they would win against NZ ,hence the sorry sight of someone whose dream has been smashed ,but ireland is a great team and i feel sure their time will come

[@cruisersism]

Some backroom managers have to go, simple as that. They knew all the problems Ireland had with lineouts and scrums, yet they could not fix them.

[@billystols1086]

Should have been starting over Doris

[@dionbroughton9956]

“Let it slip” …. They were never infront 🤦🏻‍♂️ ABs more like let it slip! ABs should of stayed more disciplined & kept 15 men on the field for the other 25% of the game & won by 10+

[@Conorguill]

Nah, AB played right to the edge particularly around the breakdown (even the final jackal had no tackler release). No complaints but that was the key to their success & also why they got the yellows. They could reasonably have got another one or two

[@dionbroughton9956]

@@Conorguill Nah ….the guts of it is Irelands greatest 15 man rugby team, couldn’t put away just a (good not great) 14 man ABs team for 25% of the game. Ireland are just lucky it wasn’t the 2015 ABs squad, that would of been a completely different beast to handle. The game would of most likely been over at 1/2 time!

[@Conorguill]

@@dionbroughton9956 fair enough I guess. My point was that if the ABs hadn’t played they way they did (risking yellow cards & they were lucky not to get more!) they likely wouldn’t have won. Re 2015, that’s a pointless conversation, cause nobody can even make an educated guess

[@jmo8934]

@@dionbroughton9956 But then rugby is a distant 4th place in terms of the most popular sports in Ireland and in NZ it is practically a religion so what do you expect?

[@dionbroughton9956]

@@Conorguill just intrigues me that you make mention that ABs “probably” deserved 1 or 2 MORE cards. Yet many commentators / so called experts of the game suggest Ireland deserved at least 1 during the game. What about Arki trying to milk head contact & the TMO said no head contact at all, this isn’t soccer diving Bundy 🤦🏻‍♂️ I agree NZ deserved 2 yellows & Ireland deserved their penalty try. However you will never admit Irelands infringements, you just want to basically express how unfair it was. At the end of the day Ireland were worked out by a average NZ squad & outplayed, even with 14 men for 20 minutes. You will get your chance again in 4yrs in Australia, that will be like a home game for us.

[@kanecol2401]

Selfless emotions....unlucky lads 🇮🇪

[@unitedrealtalk5087]

Need more hurlers to play rugby 🏉

[@edgewizz862]

The All Blacks make it personal when when teams act all cocky and disrespect them. Sam Cane getting that payback for what the Irish said about him. See ya Johnny.

[@bongwonsa]

sexton worship lost us the game, should have subbed him 60min

[@brendanclarke8393]

Our country is to small to complete with new Zealand france South Africa Australia. It standard. We will get beaten. Down the line. Its bring joy for a while. Then total sadness. Lost to Greece out of the euro Lost to new Zealand in 2 days out of everything. Can't do it. Poeple spent thousands. Shout there heart out like no other small island

[@djguy100]

NZ has a population of 5 million. It's the exact same as Ireland

[@barra6709]

​@@djguy100yeah, but Rugby is the biggest sport in New Zealand. I didn't know anyone who actually played it till I was 15 around 2003-2005. It was always just private schools and parts of Munster. It wasn't until 2009 did I a significant number of people get behind the sport and it's grown significantly since.