The precise moment that Ireland lost the RWC quarter-final | Will Greenwood

Will Greenwood identifies the critical moment that Ireland finally succumbed to the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
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[@azorbarros3308]

I think Jordie Barrett’s tackle was really the defining, most unbelievable moment of the match. Absolutely amazing.

[@LarryLoudini]

Second defining moment was Doris immediately fumbling the resulting NZ restart. Just completely killed our momentum and allowed NZ to go down and make it a 4 point margin. NZ outplayed us for sure, but they also played so much smarter - felt like we expended so much energy for all of our scores

[@NikkiBikkiNZ]

Will Greenwood saying some of the most sensible things I have heard on this podcast ever, pity there wasn’t more of this kind of talk before the game, and that the players and coach didn’t address some of the problems before it got to this point, that’s what happens when you are on a winning streak and don’t lose any games for a long time your weaknesses don’t get looked at until it’s too late

[@alize1874]

New Zealand has been going into every RWC since 1987 as number 1, team favourite, BUT it took them 24 years to win their second world cup, trust I know I'm a kiwi.. we waited so long

[@dcbbot]

This isn't true. In 87 we weren't favurites, due to the cavaliers debacle. We had a compeltely untried untested bunch of youngsters. The Wallabies and France were joint favourites. No one knew how they'd go. That they'd beceem one of the best Abs sides was not known until after the tournament. In 91 the Wallabies pasted us (our now ageing and over the hill side) in the Bledisloe 2-0 directly before the cup. They were clearly favourites. In 95 we were following on from 94, out worst year for a decade, maybe more, from memory England had been talked up along with 2-3 other teams. We weren't favourites even if there wasn't a clear favourite for that world cup. In 99 we were joint favourites with Aus. In 2003 England were favourites with us a close second on account of them coming down and beating us at home directly before the cup, as well as their pedigree over the 3 years leading up to it. In 2007 we were favourites. As we were in 2011 and 2015. We won 2 out of three of those.

[@alize1874]

@@dcbbot yup you just proved my point.. and it's not that we were favourites it was that going in as number 1 on the IRB world rankings and coming up empty at the world cups

[@Trajan2401]

​@@alize1874,we had a rubbish side in 91 too many old players

[@thegreytone]

U know, it took the All Blacks twenty four long years to regain the cup on home soil against France like in the inaugural tournament. It took the average Springboks only 12 years to secure their second one. New Zealand are the greatest sports team of all time, us South Africans knows it and we respect em and we love em!! We get laughed at for playing boring rugby that's fine. Our wings will surprise you!!

[@dc7279]

Greenwood great analysis if only football had people like him

[@boswellwhanau]

Watch out, story coming in! A few years ago my team went to play against Oundel, near Huntingdon, and playing for them that day was one Mr William Greenwood! The man was an absolute legend through the day! Feeding players around him all match and making a few runs himself (with yours truly being glorious run over a couple times). But it was afterwards that the guys true colours came through. He spent all evening behind and in front of the bar talking to anyone and everyone through a very, VEEEERY long evening! Absolute legend!!

[@graemewilliams6697]

New Zealand not having any handling errors for the whole game set up their win.

[@sharonadlam3195]

They also won every one of the 5 scrums.

[@TC-sm8rc]

Im not sure thats true, if you count aaron smiths knock on and then spending 10mins in the bin for that handling error 😉

[@mollyoko]

@@sharonadlam3195scrums were revered very poorly as usual by incompetent Barnes. NZ tighthead hinging Porter is illegal. Porter has no history of ever boring in /wheeling yet Barnes fell for it all day. This proved the difference on a day when Ireland played badly and Nz played their best in 2 years, Ireland still should’ve won

[@Hullabaloo23]

​@@mollyokoshould've could've would've but ultimately DIDN'T 😂4 more years cuzzy😊

[@sakonb]

@@Hullabaloo23 Ireland....World Cup Quarter Final Champions...8 in a row 🤣

[@Titanium351]

The Boks beat France, France Beat New Zealand, New Zealand beat Ireland and Ireland beat the Boks. There's no clear dominant team this year. I guess it's a good thing

[@MeanAzz_13]

Rugby wins m.bro 🍺😎

[@guesswho6925]

Poked the bear! And yes we had plenty of that beer!!!

[@ChurBro451]

Well ABs sent world #1 Ireland packing,, SA did the same to rwc host France , your only dominant when you're still in the competition , you win ,you stay, you lose , your out, you can script however you want

[@johnos2765]

​@@noelmcgeeverSame. The fans deserved a humbling for sure but the players deserved so much more

[@Dreyno]

@@noelmcgeeverTrash talking? The players and coaches never said anything? You talking about a few drunk fans interviewed falling out of stadiums? Like that’s a measure of anything.

[@dashingeduardosuarez]

Having a nearly forty year old schoolboy who can't hack 60min on the pitch against real opposition was the precise fcking moment we lost this tourney. Having his surrogate dad as manager was no help either.

[@Hullabaloo23]

Bro that's cold ice cold😂

[@Since76]

😂😂😂👍

[@briankemp2116]

Totally agree, I was wondering if someone was accepting bribes or something.

[@aidankearney493]

Spot on Will.

[@nicktorea4017]

the AllBlacks made no handling errors the whole game

[@hwm2024]

There was no precise moment. Every game has opportunities. Fundamentally the ABs played with 14 men for 20 minutes and they still won and conceded a penalty try. That should be enough chances for the Top side in the world to win.

[@Dodiwho1]

Except they are rubbish at trying to emulate the all blacks..... 😂go back to hurling.

[@billbobby461]

4 points lads against a team made up of a pool of several hundred posh kids and a handful of international rejects....who were number one in the world....for over a year 🤣🤣🤣 its laughable. Have some respect for yourselves lads.

[@Hullabaloo23]

​@@billbobby461I totally respect Ireland but 4 more years is a long long time 😅

[@brucefale6132]

​@@billbobby461whatever soothes your pain.

[@tiomiguel999]

@@billbobby461 Irish fans have gloated ever since their first win over NZ and were describing themselves as world-beaters right up until the RWC game against the AB's - now, they're begging people to go easy on them. Lol, karma sucks sometimes, doesn't it? 😭😭😭

[@ExcitingBob]

First time I've heard Greenwood - he is utterly brilliant and knows the game inside out. Puts most other pundits to shame.

[@jesseferguson4269]

Im a kiwi and have been saying to my irish mates since just before the world cup that ireland really needed a loss before the knockout stage (either a warmup game or pool match). Im sure the players never thought they had it in the bag but there is no way they didnt at some point read into the hype that surrounded their chances.

[@firmfoundation7421]

Dead right mate

[@stuartkelly3106]

I thought so too.

[@NikkiBikkiNZ]

Completely agree, they needed a loss to bring them back down to earth, take some of the pressure off and end the winning streak before the World Cup . You don’t want a winning streak to add more pressure.

[@craig6520]

There was 4 points in it against one of the top sides in world rugby. The all black press praised the all black performance as one of the best in years. That doesn't suggest the Irish team got carried away. They weren't quite on their very top form and you need to be on absolute top form if you want to beat any of the top 4 sides in the world! There's always going to be massive pressure in a quarter final against either France or New Zealand regardless because of the level of those teams! What really cost IRE was set piece which had been problematic for them since the start of the tournament. Loads of scrum penalties and losing their own line outs. Unfortunately the issues with lineout in particular only started at the WC. And to be fair the ABs and Boks have possibly the 2 best line outs in the world

[@Nomad_47]

@@craig6520​​​​⁠​⁠”they weren’t quiet on their very top form”, so whats the point in playing in a World Cup quarterfinal if all went in on the preparations the past 3 years and the team is not in top form come playoffs ? Give credit where it is due, all blacks gave more, because they valued it more come championship moments.

[@dennism5731]

All very valid points but the reason they lost is far simpler. They started chasing the game way too early. Very shortly after going behind they had a very kickable penalty that they turned down and went for the lineout drive - came up with nothing, and like SCO do repeatedly, we’re chasing the game from there. In knockoutrugby you take the points when they are on offer, especially in the first quarter.

[@graemewilliams6697]

France did that and still lost by 1 point (instead of 4) so they could have still lost the game.

[@jarrodjarrod662]

By contrast NZ took every three pointer they could and raced out to a 13 point lead

[@EvsEntps]

Something like 10% of lineouts near the 22 lead to a try from what I've read. Whereas the average penalty kick success rate at this level is about 80% (source: 6 nations 2021 stats). For sake of ease (can't find a statistic) lets say success rate of converting a try is also on average 80%. Using some simple expected value calculations we have: Expected Points from penalty kick for goal = 80% x 3 points = 2.4 points Expected Points from penalty kick for lineout = 10% x ( 80% x 7 points + 20% x 5 points) = 0.66 points. So unless you're chasing a 4 or more point deficit near the end of the game or there are unique conditions on the pitch that deviate from the average (e.g. opposition have had a player sent-off or the kick spot is in a much harder location leading to a massively lower success chance than the 80% average), it's a no-brainer to kick for goal nearly every time. In fact, you'll get approx. 2.4/0.66 = 3.6 times more points from penalties on average if you kick for goal vs kick for 22 lineout. Considering how common and influential penalties are in the game, the decision to kick for 22 lineout instead of kick for goal in a single instance in an equally-matched game is almost certainly the difference between winning and losing. Ergo, Ireland's decision not to go for those easy 3 points was catastrophic in my estimation. Coaches have access to much more detailed stats during games from what I understand, so they don't even need to do crude calculations like I did, they can literally calculate this on a kick by kick basis and take into account more factors like the player's personal success rate or the success rate from specific kick locations. It makes me question whether there are any statisticians in the coaching teams at all that advise on basic game management as simple as optimising your damned points haul from penalties! If there are I wonder if they're listened to or have much influence over coaches. Edit: Of course, I could be mistaken about the 10% lineout stat (can't find the source). I've worked out with my crude calculations that the expected points from lineout would break-even with kicking for goal if the success rate hit around 36% which seems steep to me.

[@teuilagracetualaulelei1609]

So true..uh-oh moment for me “take the points…” knew they’d lose then, poor decision in high stakes game🥴

[@brianbutler6246]

The crowd blanked out the haka and i knew we had won the minute they did that you never do that gave them that extra edge they needed thanks ireland fans.

[@marakinz4241]

The precise moment Ireland lost was when the ref blew the final whistle and we had more points than them.

[@marcdaniels9079]

I am a huge Will Greenwood fan and so pleased to hear him rightly raving about Mo’unga’s break. Sexton, Farrrell, O’Connell talking about soft tries is a disrespectful to the skill level to execute this move off front ball.

[@xpat73]

No top team should give a try like that off first phase. That try was soft.

[@mitchand9]

@@xpat73 the defence was soft. The try was hard asf

[@Pltjr33]

Johnny ‘bigger than the game’ Sexton has and will always be a sore loser (add World Cup Quarter finalists to this accolate)😂😂

[@chucktee8088]

​@mitchand9 agreed. Defense was soft like a wet nappie. The All blacks are the tip team Irish are the great pretenders.

[@nzfreeski]

agree completely - Mounga faked their two defensive players, and there was no missed tackle. Only a finger laid on him.

[@k-9iqdogtrainingandadulted511]

You dont become a bad team in one loss. Knockout rugby is a different beast. This team is a full team compared to the N Z series.

[@ajjs8869]

I'd actually forgotten about that scrum penalty. I remember thinking oh we'll have them in the backs with the extra man, then seeing only 7 in the scrum and then suddenly it was a penalty to them!

[@chrismia2402]

As a Saffa, Will Greenwood was always one of my favourite players. He was so good! Great analysis, shows what an experienced rugby brain sees which the rest of us miss.

[@markbrown-sb2zm]

I agree,was a phenomanal player and great rugby brain.

[@coffeine1924]

I've always thought mounga was the best 10 in the world. Him and barret are always gonna give you moments

[@elkanovitch]

Indeed. Both brought match winning moments in this game. Beaudan with the chip and chase, and Mounga scything through that Irish backline.

[@conorfurlong]

He’s nowhere near the best 10. He can produce individual moments of magic but he doesn’t control games or pull the strings like Sexton, Ntamack or Libbock can.

[@diggyzeus186]

@@conorfurlongthem boys are trash 😂😂😂😂😂

[@tiomiguel999]

@@conorfurlong Mo'unga put on a masterclass and completely outplayed Sexton, who was made to look old and tired, and is being used as a scapegoat for the Irish loss when the truth is the entire team weren't good enough on the day...

[@Trajan2401]

​@@conorfurlongim a kiwi and I actually prefer DMac

[@nicktorea4017]

I'm Māori to all those saying its disrespectful to counter the haka with singing is incorrect a counter challenge is expected.....if you don't have one that's on you but if you do, lets see it show us your mettle if the crowd want to get involved so be.

[@StaalBurgher0]

Yeah as Bok also not sure what the fuss is. The Haka is a sporting tradition. Challenge it, dont challenge it. No big deal.

[@shanehintz4934]

Ireland has gotten used to putting the acid on teams,they’re not used to having the acid put on them.but boy did they nearly turn it

[@philh7929]

Ireland have done well the last couple of years deservedly, but they are still new to being a genuine powerhouse or world rugby, managing WC tournament play, weight of expectation, never write off a 3x champion that spent 10 yrs as no1 let alone trash talk a team your about to meet in a knock out QF, harsh lessons but will benefit for the future.

[@peterquennellnyc]

Smart take.

[@Natedawg38]

They didn't trash talk them

[@jacqloock]

Fax

[@mollyoko]

It’s hard when a ref gives a try off a crooked lineout and 5 scrum penalties against you when he is being cheated by a hinging NZ tighthead against a loosehead with zero history of boring/wheeling.

[@Hullabaloo23]

​@@mollyokoABs were down to 14 men for 20mins Ireland full complement and still couldn't Capitalize very telling if you ask me there's no hiding from that FACT...but you seem to be hinged on the scrum only what about the rest of the game😅

[@kevinewert8546]

Honestly, i think the moment Ireland lost the quarters was when they trashed talked the Kiwis in New Zealand. The second moment was when they played their first team against Romania. Those guys were knackered with twenty minutes to go in this quarterfinal. The third moment was when they thought they had won something against the Boks. I said before the tournament that Ireland are a world number one side, but they are not a world champion side because they don't know how to prioritise. The final moment was when the crowd disrespected the Haka. The ABs always want to win, but it's a good idea never to give them a reason to want to beat you. New Zealand were able to go beyond their limits on Saturday and play a nearly perfect game, while Ireland just looked empty.

[@boswellwhanau]

good points.

[@davidanderson5517]

Absolutely spot on!,

[@RottingYoda]

1. Link to when the Irish team disrespected the Kiwis. [Saying they believe they can win isn't disrespect] 2. True but also against Tonga 3. We beat one of the best teams in the world in a world cup. Should we not respect the Boks? 4. You don't get to do the Haka outside of the Polynesian islands without some sort of response. Challenge offered, challenge accepted. We accepted it the only way we can - verbally. We're not Polynesian.

[@user-eq9jv5uf7d]

Cant trash talk the AB captain on NZ soil & not expect a response from his team.

[@noelmcgeever]

Couldn't agree more.

[@AbcdEfgh-zp1sn]

Sextons decision making cost ireland the game . Ireland have no lineout and sexton didtnt keep the score board ticking.

[@matthewvanrensburg3824]

Exactly this. The moment saw points being refused in the opening stages it was clear the mindset was all wrong for knockout rugby by Sexton. His 'greatness' was Irelands greatest weakness. It meant to be a team game, not the Sexton Show.

[@RottingYoda]

Sexton was gassed after 30 minutes too. Should have come off at half time.

[@AbcdEfgh-zp1sn]

Agree. He must accept the wrong calls were made early. And also he was gassed and not able for 80mins.

[@graemewilliams6697]

It seems to be an old north hemisphere thing, Wales with Biggar went for the corner against Argentina and lost the lineouts, whereas Anscombe against Australia took all the points that were on offer. Maybe a new number 10 for both teams will change that mindset and a more ruthless game be played in tight knock-out games.

[@jarrodjarrod662]

@@matthewvanrensburg3824yep. Almost arrogance

[@RazorMouth]

No we lost the game when fkin Kelleher had acres of green grass to fall onto with the ball and he allowed himself to fall with and onto an AB player 🤦‍♂️ Mother of god, gow did he manage it, give him 20 more attempts and he scores every one... Unbelievable, i still cant fkin believe it.

[@cmobutts270]

Excellent points.

[@monian2877]

NZ is NZ - long tradition of the game is in their DNA - I thought Ireland was way too over-confident! The fan singing during the haka I think a bit disrespectful! There was no mention "hey it's NZ AB we're facing - it is going to be hard". Nah everyone talks about this is Ireland's year. The kick to the corner but not taking 3 pts in a quarterfinal? That's just sum up a bit of arrogance!

[@Will25418]

I love the singing during the haka - the kiwis are able to issue their war challenge but the Irish team themselves can’t really do anything back, so it’s awesome to see the crowd getting in on their behalf. Really adds to the atmosphere pregame - just my take on it

[@Orca322]

They could've taken those 3points and gone for a drop goal

[@seamusmeehan6036]

I agree 3 4mns to go why not drop goal still time for more

[@whokilledjr3719]

@@Will25418I’m with you in that and I’m kiwi. The haka is meant to be responded to in this context

[@peterquennellnyc]

@@whokilledjr3719 As a Kiwi I find the haka not being responded to (tho right after, not at the same time) a bit awkward. Too provocative. Especially when the A-Bs then dont win!

[@CF-lg8jd]

That certainly was a big moment, but there were many opportunities to win that game, Jordie had no right to hold that driving maul up, it was 4 against one and we got white line fever followed by miscommunication from the drop out, it was definitive game of inches, Cane was a monster in the game, that was the best performance of his life, and by a distance! The early pen where we went to the corner was fine, that was a tough kick. If O Keefe is reffing we get 3 scrum pens, but he wasn't and we didn't adjust to Barnes, ifs and buts, it was our moment and we blew and NZ played exceptionally, this one will hurt for a LONG time, my wife tells me to get over it already, but I'm still in mourning, the fact it was a qtr final means nothing to me, this was our chance and unfortunately I just don't see us having a team this good again, the stars aligned and then shattered before our eyes, still exceptionally proud of the boys though

[@ciaranbrk]

I think Barnes was compensating for rwc 07. He really screwed Porter there was nothing wrong with the scrum he destroyed de Groot.

[@Bobbydyland]

Porters illegal scrummaging had become widely accepted in the weeks after the SA match. The refs did Ireland no favours by allowing him to get away with it for so long. NZ clearly told the ref to watch out for it and he did.

[@geoffnelson6756]

They played mind games on the ref and it worked, two retired international props have analysed the scrums and adamant that Porter wins those penalties, Ireland have a lot to learn when you see the detail the big teams go to gain an advantage, we are a bit naive and thinking it's a level playing field

[@Bobbydyland]

@@geoffnelson6756Were those 2 international props former Irish ones? I ask because it's very clear that Porter was scrumming in at an angle. You can see it clear as days in the replays.

[@geoffnelson6756]

@@BobbydylandAnd your international scrummaging experience is? The two guys were Mike Ross, Ireland prop, Alex Corbisiero, England prop. Refs can't possibly know what goes on in a scrum, they look for stability, players have to present a picture of stability while employing dark arts to gain an advantage. NZ highlighted the picture Porter was presenting and Barnes bought it, I would heed the words of experienced ex players over yours I'm afraid, if Porter was scrummaging illegally then he would have been penalised by the raft of refs over the last few years, yet Ireland have only had 2 or 3 yellow cards in over a year. NZ left no stone unturned in the planning of this win, and they barely managed it.

[@Bobbydyland]

@@geoffnelson6756Mate, you don't need to be a International level prop with a PHD in astro thermal-dynamics to see the view from the top of the scrum, that Porter swings his hips out fairly often. Porter was penalized for scrumming in at an angle, and didn't correct for it when the gig was up. He's got no one to blame but himself.

[@geoffnelson6756]

@@Bobbydyland Just did a trawl on Google for anything about Porters scrummaging, Eddie Jones, the master of mindgames started this narrative in 2020, the response from Ireland coaches was 'there were a few things to tweak as Porter had gone from tighthead to loose head, but it's just Jones looking for an advantage, because if Porter gets under you it's goodnight'. Then nothing until the NZ game with Foster making this claim with Barnes. Also found that Greg Feek, Ireland scrum coach in 2019 and now All Blacks scrum coach went through hundreds of hours of footage looking for a weakness in the Ireland scrum, guess he found the Eddie Jones comments. Lol

[@hankgoldenshaft]

This is STILL a really good Irish team. 1 loss doesn’t change that. Respect from NZ

[@Hullabaloo23]

Well it kind of did change... Ireland are no longer ranked number 1... multiple retirements of class players... another QF loss the hoodoo is real for them can't deny that...but they do get to enjoy a quick plane ride home lol to search their empty souls for 4 more years( just between you and me);I secretly love it😂

[@hankgoldenshaft]

@@Hullabaloo23 they have the structures in place to remain a good side

[@mitchand9]

@@hankgoldenshaft So did Australia at one stage. What's your point?

[@hankgoldenshaft]

@@mitchand9 that’s my point. Regarding structural soundness of their rugby system, You said Australia DID, I said Ireland DOES. But if you’re a doom and gloom type, nothing is going to be good. Enjoy that glass half empty my friend

[@harryselwind]

Spoiler alert. It was when the referee blew his whistle for full-time.

[@MeanAzz_13]

🟨 🟨 and *P.T* Barnes tried his best Ireland 😂😂

[@noeloleary3157]

If only the team could learn to be gracious in defeat instead of whinging. The crowd disrespecting the HAKA brought shame on us.The AB's are a class act y we should try y learn from them.

[@CF-lg8jd]

Nonsense comment,pure nonsense in every aspect

[@kiwibanterfan2215]

Kiwi here... well played Ireland for the last two years... fantastic rugby..stand tall. S0me posters whether Kiwi or Irish will get abrasive at times... stay calm.. polite and to the point. Emotions can get the best of us. Ireland did well in NZ...but rugby is an evolving game...teams work other teams out. NZ were at the top for 10 years!!,,,,do others think we wont work out a way to topple a great team? Ireland have the foundations in place (laid be by a legendary Kiwi in Smit) and there will be further success for sure! Kiwis know how you are feeling. There is no smugness from me or most...satisfaction yes. Mourn your loss...and celebrate your victories...but do it with class.

[@CF-lg8jd]

Well said, I would argue however you will never know how we are feeling, you've reached the holy grail, we haven't even got close, you've had phenomenal teams year after year, we have had one (this one) world cup caliber team, prior to this year I have never thought we had a realistic chance of winning a world cup. Someone said this before the tournament, Ireland are very unfortunate with this team to also have 3 other top teams in the same era, similar to tennis with, Feds, Rafa, Djok and Murray, Murray in this case been NZ, I think everyone recognises NZ aren't the best version of themselves but still very capable. Anyway I'm going to cry in a dark corner for another month or so, good luck in final

[@Natedawg38]

Margins. Loads of things. Ireland just need to keep it up, this team set the standard for irish rugby. Looking forward to their future, a lot of guys coming in

[@chucktee8088]

Yet they matched their standard at the WC QF 😂😂😂

[@Trajan2401]

Yep keep it up but unfortunately for Ireland and the rest NZ dont have the worst coach in history anymore

[@simonbrooke8804]

Should have kicked their penalties.

[@thoskel1]

Ireland were trying to find a weakness in the All Blacks defence at the last few minutes but they were searching for something that wasnt there just a steel wall.

[@geoffnelson6756]

Every player was exhausted and in that situation its easier to defend than attack, as the attacking team forced to move to create something, however there were a number of clear penalties on both sides which were not given, there could easily have been a penalty to Ireland, a kick to the corner and its a possible try, I heard one of the NZ pundits say Barnes went into his shell during this time and didn't blow for anything, so the point of your 'steel wall' is irrelevant, also Ringrose did break the steel wall, he dummies the pass to a 3 on 2 on the wing and goes himself, so massive danger there even with the exhausted players.

[@thoskel1]

@@geoffnelson6756 @geoffnelson6756 In the last 37 phase Irish attack Ringrose ,Lowe ,Conan and O Brien made the most serious attempts to pierce and unravel the All Blacks but they all failed..The steel tight NZ defence stood firm which was the major factor between victory and defeat

[@geoffnelson6756]

@@thoskel1 They scored 3 tries each, Ireland should definitely had 4 and unlucky not to get 5, If NZ had used that 'steel Wall' earlier it would have been a more convincing win.

[@thoskel1]

@@geoffnelson6756 9 times out of 10 Kelleher would have scored when Ireland got over the NZ line but for the skill and experience of Barrett and the All Black's defence..It' seems like it is the old dog for the hard road in Rugby's most competitive tournament.But I am hoping against hope that the Pumas can cause an upset next weekend And England as well .

[@Hullabaloo23]

Correction a steel BLACK wall😊

[@iamnutty8471]

johnny sexton lauches a jewellery brand after last game, buy the choker masterpiece!

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

The key point was Gibson-Park kicking to the the corner 20 metre out when we had possession and NZ were down to 14 men. We needed to keep the ball and force the penalty or take a drop goal and go ahead for first time.

[@geoffnelson6756]

Was that the kick to POM? The defender out wide was Mouanga, obviously thought if Pete catches it there a good chance he runs it in.

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

Yes that was the one I am referring to.

[@Hullabaloo23]

​@@geoffnelson6756the beauty of hindsight huh! Reality's better though FACTS😂4 more years say it with me now 4.....more....years has a certain ring to it don't you think

[@liquidbronstein]

What happened in the second half against Scotland was ignored.

[@ryanayre5130]

Arrogance. They went from being the hunters for so many years to the top dogs that they forgot that not a moment can be taken for granted. They underestimated NZ and for 20min they still couldn’t get it done against 14. And the drought continues…

[@josiahbounderby5912]

I'm a New Zealander. Maybe we can't beat you on the day...but don't try to rub our noses in it before the day. Ireland made me proud to be part Irish...but I am all kiwi. Beat us, but don't mock us...

[@brucefale6132]

Harden up

[@craig6520]

I honestly don't know where that narrative comes from 🤷‍♂️ As a big irish rugby fan, the respect here for NZ has always been enormous. We've considered you guys the benchmark. People believed it was our best irish team and got behind them. This narrative may be something the AB team have invented to help their own performance, successfully I might add, but it doesn't really stand up! The majority of irish fans always knew this would be a dangerous game but you just believe and back your side! As for some of the narrative around sexton or O'Mahony disrespecting Nz players during game, Coles called Sexton a mouthy c**t. I also seen something about an AB player getting injured which seemed to be cited as another reason of disrespect. Do people saying that remember the horrific tackle by umaga and Mealamu that injured Brian O'driscoll and took him out of the 2005 Lions tour? ABs aren't all saints. People can use whatever they want to suit their own narrative. Lighten up

[@Rugby-xp1wh]

Management decisions -not resting starting line up and or possible overtraining during the week. This is clear as even young guys like Dan Sheehan and Doris were looking sluggish 10 mins in. -Kelleher instead of Herring who is a clinical try finisher proven in test series and 6 nations. Kelleher was also held up against Tonga.Herring would have finished the try and possibly won the game he's finished a lot tougher on a regular basis -Allowing Johnny (who was dead on his feet) to play 80 mins -Paulie not sorting out the lineout which was an issue all WC and pre games -taking Gibson Park off the field. Ireland struggled on attack when he left the field. He looked more fit then most Irish players -using POM on the wing on attack, Murray cost 3 points blocking player Player performances (most of which is due to being mentally and physically fatigued) -Johnny- flat passing far from the line to preserve himself, missed an easy conversion (by his standards), poor decision making -Porter- 3 costly penaltie (2 in first 2 mins). Some basic scrum errors not driving straight -Doris- poor by his standard- fumbles, lost lineout, turnovers -Lowe- very poor on attack should have done better when fumbled ballin first half into touch. didn't cover wing on AB second try. Maybe eye wasnt 100% -Kelleher- first touch knock on, had a lot of space and time to finish a try that would have won the game -Forwards- not covering our guys like the SA game and getting turnedover All blacks exposed the fatigued state of the players with a 30 phase attack in first few mins and chip and chase. Great tactics

[@criticaltheoryofsociety7476]

Very good point regarding Herring being much more likely to finish those driving maul tries over Kelleher. The starters were spent. This was clear towards the end where O'Brien, Conan, McCarthy and Murray were the only ones moving with pace while the rest of the team were trying to attack in slow motion.

[@macaodh4348]

Out scrummed, out rucked, out on their feet at the last 15. 33 phases back and over, no penetration. Not good enough.

[@Dodiwho1]

Oh choking comes naturally to Ireland they've been practicing for sometime

[@daleelabrahams1080]

I don't think it's choking.... it's more a case of shock. Suddenly a team is well prepped at giving you less time and space for 80 minutes.

[@LJ-em7wj]

Ahhhh....no, total chokers 😅😅😅

[@unclejezza]

It's sad but they will be defined by that loss. Took NZ 24 long years of pain to understand what Ireland are now learning

[@garys6135]

They aren't learning though. They've written it off as being beaten by a better team. Denial is a river of tears from the weight of expectation and four more years boys, four more years.

[@johnos2765]

​@@garys6135We will do it. No doubt about it

[@garys6135]

@@johnos2765 I'll believe it when the Irish Rugby Union hires a sports psychologist. After 32 years, 8 RWC of QF failures, the mental block is buried deep in the psyche. And, that was compounded by the Aura of the All Blacks. It came back and rained on Sexton's parade. But, seriously, I was watching a Brian O'Driscoll short, about not being afraid of the All Blacks, clearly the ABs are in your heads.

[@johnos2765]

@@garys6135 Totally disagree. The 'aura' of the all blacks had absolutely no effect. In fact it took NZ to play at their absolute best to beat an Irish team who really never got firing particularly in the first half and even then could have and really should have stole it only for Barrett. The whole QF thing is over hyped. Beat the boks and just pipped by the ABs. It happens. Realistically the Abs have played their semi final already. That's how I looked at that game. It was a semi Argentina would get pummelled by Ireland.

[@garys6135]

@@johnos2765 the aura comment was a joke. So why did you get triggered? Seriously, our game-plan was based on scoreboard pressure: put early points on the board, and make them play catch-up rugby. As time ticks down, panic sets in and eventually mistakes happen. From poor decision-making, Ireland didn't capitalise on all its opportunities (always take the penalties at goal), and 20 minutes with an extra player. That's finals footy. It's the difference from being #1 between RWCs, from 1991 - 2011, and a 4x 🏆 winner. From the QF to the Final, play every game as it's the last, because if you lose, you cruise.

[@rugby55298]

Oooohhh The look on their faces eat that humble Irish pie! This loss will hurt for a very long time!

[@easyebrown6469]

An Irishman, Welshman, Scotsman & Frenchman walk into a pub... Normally there's an Englishman, but he's still at the Rugby World Cup.

[@seanofarrell8896]

For me what did Ireland was asking the frontline players to play every game and not giving them a rest Sexton ok because of the ban but. I felt if the team rotated like what SA have been doing it would have helped.

[@larrygerry985]

Ireland made a mistake with Sexton. Championship teams are brutal and cut players even great ones.

[@tevildo45]

The bottled it like they always do. Any time it’s put up to them in knockout rugby at world cups they flinch. Autumn tests , 6 nations, unbeaten runs it couldn’t for nothing. Had your chance and you blew it. The most coddled team in sports history btw. Unearned arrogance

[@oratilemakgaka8411]

Where is all the arrogance now?... Not so cocky are we guys?.

[@justice1902]

Do some more of those hilarious high pitched voices about Rassie and "his huge rugby brain".

[@geoffnelson6756]

Alex Corbisiero does a great job on dissecting the scrum, NZ highlighted to Barnes about Porters scrummaging, curiously, Eddie Jones tried this exact technique in 2020, warning refs to look at Porter, then no mention for 3 years until this game, in scrum one De Groot disengages from the scrum right under the nose of Barnes, leaving a 3 on 2 across the scrum, but of course Barnes is looking at Porter because its been highlighted to him, no indication up to that point of of boring in, it was clever play by NZ as it gave Barnes a picture to fault each time. Mike Ross also said in France all those penalties go to Porter as he is the stronger player, but in the 8 on 7, Ireland should have been more savvy, just weren't their usual calm selves.

[@Dreyno]

It was blatant. NZ loosie was stopping Furlong going forward but Porter was marching their tighthead back. Ireland weren’t swinging it around. Lomax was being minced. Barnes got it wrong.

[@xenorob1]

Porter had his hips turned out and bored in, Barnes was spot on. Did it again in the next scrum and kept doing it despite the multiple penalties.

[@dermotcoyne3752]

We need to keep goung. Store up the bitterness for the next world cup. The only way they will take us seriously is if we win it. We will be strong in 4 years hopefully.

[@Hullabaloo23]

Wasn't the talk about Ireland being ready this cycle not the next😂 sounds just like EJ and the wobblies

[@coenraadkruger2498]

All of us must get over it we are not bigger then the game . For flip Irland lost but live to fight a nother day it is not the end of the world , one thing i can say

[@graemewilliams6697]

At the end I thought Sexton was going through the motions and there was no plan to break down the All Blacks and it all looked very pedestrian. Should Sexton have been replace with a fresher fly half ? A new perspective on the game could have won it for them and he seemed too involved in the play and all he was doing was passing the ball to another forward to get tackled.

[@reeld99]

definetly. I was surprised how robotic the attack became.

[@commentwell3870]

When I said that Ireland looked very one dimensional towards the end, I was castigated.

[@9pwsscamel369]

Completely correct. The AB could effectively ignore Sexton as he offered no attacking threat

[@briankemp2116]

Yeah, I don’t get the hype about him, he made sure he never got tackled, is he a bit fragile.

[@VK6AB-]

Agreed.

[@bakivaotuua9120]

After winning the series in NZ last year, I think the Irish believed in their hype too much. They forgot that the All Blacks are experienced when it matters most. Few wins over the All Blacks doesn't regard you as the best, consistency over a long period of time, cements your status as the best! All blacks are still the team to beat, regardless who's ranked no.1 or who's World champs!

[@johnhealy3061]

The haka is a call to war what do you expect lay down and roll over not one irish fan i know have anything but respect for the AB no one in Ireland would take any AB team for granted How could we And as for being beaten before we went out this game was a 50/50 match Agreat contest every player both sides left everything on the pitch Well done to the Ab I think you should have some respect for Irish team for making it such a good game

[@qwerty69600]

After a very successful 12 months, I think Ireland breached the line between a confidence that they could win (very true) and the assumption that they should win (very false). In 12 months, which is a very short time, they'd turned into a team that felt like couldn't lose. Despite the fact that all they'd won was an NZ tour and a 6N slam. I've got Irish mates who were completely stunned that the ABs had beaten them. The reality is games between those top 4 teams were always going to be a coin toss on the day. Yet the fans and even pundits were talking like it was nailed on. I mean the ABs aren't a humble lot either. They also think they have a god given right to win, and frankly the best bit about this QF was at least one of them was going home. I'm gutted about the Fra Boks result though. Just hoping the Boks can slide past the easy rider Poms with their cake walk to the semis again, and then shut the ABs up in the final.

[@user-dm6fg8co1x]

Ireland lost as soon as O'Mahony opened his mouth last year.

[@user-sd3hb6ru1w]

It’s a very unpopular thing to do to describe the Irish as arrogant. But that’s exactly what happened in the Irish media, and who knows, possibly in the team?

[@peterquennellnyc]

A heady arc for sure. Needed to get a grip. Nerves of steel. Respect and thus learn from all the other teams.

[@billbobby461]

And are New Zealanders not arrogant, their number one sport, only reason I even know anyone who plays rugby is because I played rugby. Its the 6th most popular sport here for actual participation, but growing rapidly in the last 2 years in popularity regards viewership and support of the pro game. The fact NZ have to try to beat us is infact shameful. When you can beat us in the GAA then the country will care, they'll mourn like your wives and children did when we took that series from you in your hometowns. When our little rugby team spanked the arrogance clean out of you.

[@peterquennellnyc]

@@billbobby461"The fact NZ have to try to beat us is in fact shameful." Yet another drunken Irish put-down. Not one graceful word anywhere. Why Irish becoming the most despised in the rugby world. Sober up. And NZ did not have to "try" to beat you and it plays a ton of other sports.

[@billbobby461]

@@peterquennellnyc don't worry right back at ya you southern hemispherians, absolute insufferable bunch full of pride about what is nothing in the eyes of the rest of us. Pipe down you won one game against practically nobody 🤣

[@billbobby461]

@@peterquennellnyc I guess they play stand around basketball too don't they 🤣🤣 are they world champs in that too?

[@mickhanratty8194]

How was the forward last pass on 1st nz try not picked up. I was roaring at the TV!! Big momentum moment!

[@firmfoundation7421]

Iagree and the ref missed at least two Irish forward passes as well.

[@Hullabaloo23]

It's funny that you didn't pick up on Ireland forward passes...I get the vibe that you're a touch bias 😂

[@farcanal9238]

Did anyone see how the game ended? I got distracted by the great grandad earning a penalty...

[@Hullabaloo23]

That grandad could teach you juniors a thing or two quite possibly in 4 more years 😂 C'mon say it with me now 4 more years😊

[@farcanal9238]

@@Hullabaloo23 lol, I loved it! I was actually asking did anyone see how the game ended.. everyone just seemed to collapse in a heap 😂

[@luatala8008]

Love how the island/non European names of some of the ABs are pronounced perfectly and without hesitation.

[@lewis3047]

I think the moment that Ireland lost the Quarters was when they chose to take the kick, rather than take the 3points Silly silly...

[@Davemurray2880isaindian]

How do you score 3 points without a kick?

[@peterquennellnyc]

@@Davemurray2880isaindian Chose to take the kick to the sideline.

[@mauricemunoz242]

Guys sexton was walking the last 20 mins he should’ve come off…. and murray he should have never come on … he’s been walking for the last two years… kasey should’ve been in the team to come on late in the game he’s faster in and out of the rack… that’s just my opinion

[@dulls8475]

I thought there were 2 moments when you knew it was not Irelands day. Towards the end Sexton chipped over the ABs back line to no one, He should have been subbed then. The second was when your No 8 i think dropped the ball from an AB kick. I actually think Sexton had a bad second half. Am I aloud to think that?

[@niallodonnell7827]

You're not allowed to think it aloud 😄

[@Cenotaur1]

I agree. Sexton was not performing that night. The issue with subbing him: Ire don't play as cohesively without him. As you saw with Sco before...Ire got loose. The AB's could really punish that.

[@Pltjr33]

The moment Ireland lost the match was when they thought #1 ranking and previous results would mean something. There are no points or awards for being the best team between World Cups. 😂

[@strekk1486]

We had the dominant scrum, and yet had three penalties given against us. That scrum was crucial, but so was the first one, when NZ started terribly and were let into the game by a harsh pen on taigdh byrne at the breakdown and another dominant scrum penalty concession

[@dcbbot]

This is madness. if you had a dominant scrum you would have pushed a 7 man scrum off the ball. NZ wouldn't have goen into a scrum with 7 men. NZ were alwayss ecure on their own ball. That's nto a sign of a dominant scrum. Your scrum was about as dominant as your lineout.

[@brucefale6132]

You didn't have the dominant scrum......lol You lost all of them including one against 7 players😂 What planet you living on?

[@spottersworld3135]

Did you even watch the game?

[@briankemp2116]

Mate , this is about the Ireland v ABs game, what game are you talking about.

[@blackrhino44]

Lol the only place you had the dominant scrum was in your head bro.

[@neilmarshall3071]

Ireland became very hard to back, got well ahead of themselves. Ireland are having a good spell in the last few years, but that doesn’t entitle them to a World Cup win.

[@NikkiBikkiNZ]

Yes got tired of hearing “they deserve it”, “they will win because they won a series in NZ last year” it means nothing in knock out rugby

[@CaesarsLobster]

Having drained the well already the Irish were unable to perform at their highest level on the day which unfortunately was when it mattered most, yet again. It's a punishing comp and the overconfidence was extreme imv (yet again) and maybe undermined sensible team management in the pool matches. For the kiwis it was their biggun which may open the door for the Argies.

[@joewhelan5018]

Barnsey's understanding of the scrum might have had something to do with it

[@churr_g5767]

The mere fact that teams switch off at 77mins or 79mins when playing the Ab's is absolutely insulting to us. We run 80min game's none switches off 🤣🤣🤣 Noone!

[@richardcharters6817]

Forward passes on two pf those trys by AB

[@lawrenceamai7410]

Soft tries = opportunities taken at the right time by attackers aware enough to exploit weakness, that makes the opposition look stupid. There were no soft tries, only weak gaps that were exploited that made defence look like their ship is sinking.

[@Kerry-uu6rk]

Ireland had enough good plays to win the game and enough bad ones to lose it and they did - they didnt help themselves winning the series last year - they knew what was coming back down the pipe This is NZ we are talking about Wins over SA and Scotland werent enough for the rugby gods to give up the giants of the game - Ireland should have been reading Jack and the Bean stalk the night before and had their axes sharpened - not taking points early on proved costly its just not done in a WC quarter - you build your score you dont get behind - its called score board pressure and nz had none of it Mounga Jordan try was sublime out of the box mind blowing an AB classic - they know how to do it in style Dont think for a moment NZ hadnt figured out how to beat Ireland - lots of planning went into this one the early two game loses were not targeted must win games - you have to pick and choose when the teams are so close If Ireland feel they have a monkey on their back then France have a gorilla - how many Quarters Semis and Finals have they been in - how many have they Hosted - Ireland next time just think about going beyond the quarters and nothing else - work off on the platform this team have built - you dont have to pull it all down and start again ❤

[@ListP2]

Remember NZ has a 20+ years of excellence and a legacy. Ireland only 2yrs. Humble yourselves, you still have a lot to learn which is why you lost. ABs had to rebuild their talent pool over last 2 years with legends moving on, which is why u beat us. We didn’t have all 1st line players against France and the strategy has been to start cup build up 5 games out from final, not from 1st game.

[@vailima49aston99]

No other team could’ve beaten Ireland that day

[@reeld99]

sure.. until they do

[@Tehui1974]

As a kiwi, I couldn't understand why the Irish loose head continued to angle in on every scrum despite getting repeatedly penalised for it. What was he thinking?

[@honahwikeepa2115]

Took Ireland a long time to beat the AB's. A very long time. Perhaps they forgot over the last 3 years. The Bokkie and the Wallaby don't forget. Ireland weren't going to beat the AB's over the next century.

[@zak6957]

Trash talk Sam and all dreams are destroyed, seems a fair trade to me

[@richardreweti8671]

They lost owing to the failure of taking the extreme advantage of their Ref's two yellow cards and one penalty try no one's mentioning that, against 14 men for that period of timr and still lost. 😊

[@robbiegarscadden2311]

Great points but the defining area was the last 5 minutes of solid tackle defence and not conceding a stupid penalty to allow Ireland to set up a lineout drive. The game could have swung either way. Only 5 scrums I think in the hole game so the perceived illegal scrummaging didnt come ito play. The ABs scrummed strong and straight and thats all they had to do. Good line defence and tackles won the game. South Africa think they have it over the ABs after their last outing... dont read anything into that game....finals footy...and ask who has the better record on that one...

[@garys6135]

No handling mistakes, so no scrums for their 7-1 split.

[@geoffnelson6756]

Alex Corbisiere analysed the scrums and he awards the penalties to Ireland, De Groot tried to drive into Furlong, Furlong fought back causing Lomax to move his feet, Porter drives him back, penalty to Ireland according to Corbisiere. Porter was being penalised for a low bind and low elbow, the ref interperates this as driving in, he did this several times but could have been a light injury or tightness, anyway if and buts!

[@geoffnelson6756]

@@garys6135 7-1 split, we nearly didn't have a back row at all and had to field injured players, so we still had to field whoever we could.

[@reeld99]

Huh ? SA don't think they have it over the AB's . How many times have we won then lost ? It's finals footy as you say and it's gonna be immense. This weekend and next.

[@Evan-fr6dv]

Mentally, not strong enough.

[@6fucyoutube]

Ireland will lose a third of this team...big climb back to number one, if ever

[@timmydonlon3458]

Have 4 years though.. lots of time to build again and Andy Farrell must be given the time to build again. As long as not many more players retire then we can integrate the new players in.. but AF needs time and the IRFU to allow him to build the squad.

[@whokilledjr3719]

They were number one due to how well drilled their pack was, not because of individual players.

[@peterquennellnyc]

@@whokilledjr3719 "They were number one due to how well drilled their pack was... " Which does take years.

[@whokilledjr3719]

@@peterquennellnyc correct, not necessarily years though, it’s more about the attitude of the players and how hard their willing to work.

[@peterquennellnyc]

@@whokilledjr3719 Young players and attitude, spot-on. During modern rugby, minds are functioning at lightning speed. On those not mentally up to speed... those hakas really work!

[@keerthiegodage4343]

I dont think Sexton or Peter O'Mahony were able to get under skin of any Allblacks players, ABs are professionals and stay focused. But the fans are not professionals and would remember the insults. For the players its just a day at the office and they bring on their A game when it matters most.❤ Ireland just had their moment of truth. They won some trophy, right, 6 nations or something. So they should be happy that they are some sort of champions in their part of the world. But leave the world championships to the big boys, Boks and Allblacks.

[@conorfurlong]

Ireland lost because across the entire game they were just off their best. But if I had to pinpoint one moment it wouldn’t be that scrum, it would be Barrett’s holdup over the line - which should have been a penalty try for Ireland because Barrett neck rolled Kelleher.

[@PrinceAsh327]

Where did NZ get the data to beat Ireland?

[@yandisamhlungu3182]

they don't have a clown like McNamara😂

[@diyguru9677]

As good as they are, the thing with Ireland was their game plan hadn't changed much in the last few years. The AB's had plenty of time to plan for this game and train to counter that plan. Fozzie said at the press conference that the ABs didn't have to panic during that 35+ phase play at the end because the Irish attack was copy and paste so the ABs just stuck to their plan and waited for the Ireland error.

[@KyrieKarena]

Joe Schmidt 😂

[@diyguru9677]

@@KyrieKarena If it was Joe Schmidt I guess that proves my point of Ireland not changing their game plan for a long time. 😅

[@KyrieKarena]

​@@diyguru9677😂

[@HesGoatedMate]

Johnny sexton said before the game , it’s every Irish players dream to make the World Cup final .. “and now we’re gonna make it a reality “ . He overlooked the quarter final like it’s so normal for them pass that stage of the World Cup .They were patting their back so hard because they were NO.1 in the world that they thought a final was destiny, when in reality they haven’t even reached a semi final ever . Not saying they overlooked the All blacks but it seemed they had a false immunity , because they were No.1 , because they were every pundits projected World Cup winner ,because this was their best team ever, it seemed it was their right to make the final … BUT not make the semis for the first time ever . If that makes sense ,in a way they did overlook the quarters finals .

[@Kenny-zn6dl]

Listening to some very amusing kiwi comments here about 'disrespect' towards their team, and that the irish didn't respect them, utter rubbish so lets go back to dunedin and Wellington and the abuse and 'disrespect' shown to you're own coaches and player's by your own people after losing that test series, " foster is a terrible coach," and "should be sacked, " and the "players are not good enough " so let's just remember that new Zealand played very well last weekend and had to, Ireland didn't and had Barrett's wrist been anywhere else then kelleher would have won the match for Ireland playing badly, so I wonder what 'respect ' would have been shown to foster and the team had that happened, it's small margins in sport and life still goes on, good luck in the rest of the tournament 👍

[@austingtir]

Ireland didnt dig themselves out of that many holes the first one yes but after that nope. They got saved by Barnes atleast two or three times. Made for a great spectacle but NZ would of won this match at a canter if it wasnt for barnes and some woeful decisions. The second half should of been over by the 60 min mark with nz up by 14+ had this been reffed right.

[@Davemurray2880isaindian]

The linesmen missing the Ireland forward passes didn't help

[@timmydonlon3458]

Be specific, how did Barnes low Ireland back into it?

[@Davemurray2880isaindian]

@@timmydonlon3458 get a bit triggered did you Paddy?

[@petespirals]

@@timmydonlon3458 Ireland has beaten the ABs 15 against 14. That doesn't really count in my mind

[@robertpirsig5011]

​@@petespiralsVery smug in victory aren't you? Only for Barrett getting his hand under a ball you'd be going home.

[@konefesa]

Ireland's arrogant and disrespectful pay the big price for it. Ireland thought the ABs were still the same useless team they beat last year.

[@postmanxxx1]

The celebrations vs the Boks in the groups was a bad sign for me. They are the best team no doubt, but the best team doesn’t always win these tournaments.

[@sljones9103]

Reality is Ireland are still way behind NZ SA France

[@KekeHimona]

Watch that world ranking drop…good lesson to learn that rankings mean nothing as any game can change them. Ireland current ranking is 3

[@johnhanson5943]

Ireland seemed to believe their own media hype. Most of the 5 nations teams do.

[@stephendoherty981]

What 'hype'? Like being the no 1 ranked team in the world for 16 months? Going on a 17 match winning streak Winning the Grand Slam, series win in NZ? You want to call that 'hype'? You post nonsense.

[@peterquennellnyc]

Hahaha. Having a few globes and maps showing the southern hemisphere as top of the world might help.

[@jarrodjarrod662]

Maybe hype would be justified if they were world cup semi finalists at least

[@stephendoherty981]

@jarrodjarrod662 You don't feel the bizarre draw had anything to with that? Fiji were also quarter finalists yet lost three games, including one to Portugal. Suppose in your eyes Fiji and Ireland are at the same level?

[@jarrodjarrod662]

@@stephendoherty981 yep. Both quarter final losers

[@geoffnelson6756]

So NZ had the perfect game plan, they implemented it 100%, no handling errors (at least non that were seen or penalised by the ref) they had the perfect run into the quarters, they were massively motivated for revenge, yet they win by only 4 points. Ireland, group of death, a number of injuries in the Scotland game, less time to prep and sore bodies all round, yet they only lose because of a miraculous try save at 72 mins, is it just me or does anyone think that was a heroic performance by Ireland against all the odds

[@braeddie]

Ireland undefeated for 18 months, 17 wins on the trot. Beat the AB's 3 consecutive times last they met them. No, they aren't heroes, they choked.

[@konefesa]

Two yellows and a penalty try? I rest my case

[@Hullabaloo23]

No sympathy for you here bud...got to take it like a man and stop whinging/whining like a woman😂

[@briankemp2116]

Put all there eggs in one basket, no depth on the bench, I would say a bit naive rather heroic.

[@geoffnelson6756]

@@briankemp2116 Lots of comments about Ireland having 3 NZ players, done a quick scan of the NZ team, got to 8 players in the first team from the South Sea Islands, including Shannon Frizzell who was hailed as shoring up AB breakdown and made a big difference in this game. Ireland have a couple of guys who were forced to leave NZ to play international rugby, NZ have a process where they take the best players from Tonga Fiji etc, robbing from those small teams. I wonder how much depth would be on the NZ bench if they didn't have that process in place. So maybe Ireland are naive in that respect.

[@ciaranbrk]

The moment we lost was the end we were behind and kept coming back that game came down to a missed kick a held up maul and dubious scrum penalties I think somebody was making up for 07. New zealand showed up though and played well. We also got exposed on James lowes wing for the will Jordan try and our defence which is normally stingy gave up too many tries. The line out also cost us. Over all that irish team is better than that abs team and that's a sentence I never thought I would ever say.

[@user-xj5ks9yj8n]

Say Whaaaaaaaaaaa, NZ? A scrum penalty was the moment you won this match? But your coaches haven't stopped bleating to World Rugby about how the scrum needs to be depowered and how the game needs to be sped up?

[@kh7431]

While I agree Mo'unga was brilliant for the NZ try it doesn't hide the fact that it was terrible defence from Ireland .

[@SPQRTempus]

Mind you, Akee's try should never have happened. Ioane went too wide which created a gap, Frizzell wasn't quick enough to cover it and Akee is a good enough player to run the correct line. Once Akee accelerated into the gap there was no chance Cane, Lomax or Smith could catch him in time. Pretty poor defense because the pass to Akee was awful.