2023-10-14 23:51:49
Rugby World Cup 2023 in FrancedossierAt the end of an unbreathable match, New Zealand beat world number 1 Ireland this Saturday, October 14 to qualify for the semi-final. Ireland once again ends up in the quarter-finals of a World Cup.
Damn curse… Once again, the dreams of the Irish collapse at the gates of the last four. In an overheated Stade de France, and largely won over to its cause, the XV du Trèfle lost this Saturday, October 14, 24 to 28 against New Zealand in the second quarter-final of this 2023 World Cup. The Sexton gang fails so once again at this stage of the competition. A sad habit. In nine appearances, the Irish have already broken their teeth seven times on the first stage of the finals. The other two times, they had not managed to pass the chickens…
New Zealand, undoubtedly uplifted after seeing its Kapa O Pango – the haka of big matches – covered by the cries of “Irish” supporters, immediately made it clear to the Irish, favorites for the world title, that it is still one of the best nations on the circuit. Ian Foster’s men quickly prove dangerous. In the 8th minute, opener Richie Mo’unga scored the first three points of the match on a penalty at the end of a phenomenal thirty-minute offensive. The Irish, solid defensively, were deprived of the ball. After ten minutes, the possession of the men in black reached more than 90%. After 12 minutes, the Fern XV even leads 6-0.
Mystified defenders
Ireland, as if overwhelmed by the pressure of the favorite, stuttered its start to the match. The All Blacks benefit from it. In the 18th minute, Leicester winger Fainga’anuku flattened the ball into the promised land after another great New Zealand action punctuated by a sublime one-two. 13-0. But the XV of Clover is not world number 1 for nothing. Despite several blunders, particularly in touches, Andy Farrell’s players finally managed to start the second and reacted with the inevitable Bundee Aki. The 3/4 green center, of New Zealand origin, mystifies the Blacks defense by dodging two players then dragging a third with him into the goal. His fifth try of the competition. Enough to equal the record for the number of tries scored by an Irishman during a World Cup. Johnny Sexton transforms. Here the Irish are back at 13-10. The meeting is rebalanced.
Skillful with their hands, the New Zealanders are also skilled with their feet. In the 33rd minute, the All Blacks found an interesting touch thanks to the 50-22 rule, converted into a try a few seconds later by third row Ardie Savea, impressive scratcher-tackler this evening, served at the end of the line. 18-10. But Ireland, tenacious, managed to get back on track just before half-time. After seeing New Zealand reduced to 14 for 10 minutes following a yellow card against Aaron Smith for voluntarily advancing, Clover scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park goes to score thanks to a lot of work from his forwards. Sexton is happy to transform. 18-17. Only a small point separates the two teams at the break.
No more Zombie
Well helped by the green tide of Saint-Denis, Ireland strives to penetrate the Black defense. But as in the first half, the first to score were the New Zealanders. In the 53rd minute, fly-half Richie Mo’unga pierces the Irish line then, after a sprint of almost fifty meters, serves winger Will Jordan who just has to use his speed to flatten. Ian Foster’s men regain a little lead. Since, obviously, the trigger Jordie Barrett transforms the try. 25-17. Opposite, Sexton tries to respond with his foot a few moments later but misses his penalty. Once is not custom. The experienced 38-year-old captain made up for it by finding a magnificent touch five meters from the goal line. Maul, penalty try and yellow card for the All Blacks. 24-25 with 15 minutes to go, we believe that the match is tipping in favor of the Greens. But quite the opposite is happening. In the 69th minute, Jordie Barrett gave the Kiwis some breathing space with a penalty. 24-28.
But Ireland is not giving up. Two minutes later, Andy Farrell’s men returned five meters from the New Zealand goal. The touch is well negotiated and replacement hooker Ronan Kelleher thinks to save his team by scoring the winning try but Barrett shatters his dreams by preventing him from flattening and therefore scoring. The Irish’s last interminable (and beautiful) offensive, lasting more than 35 phases of play, was stopped by a scratch from the heroic Sam Whitelock. Final whistle. For once, at the Stade de France, the green people are not singing Zombie. Friday October 20, it is the All Blacks who will face the Argentine Pumas – winners of Wales a few hours earlier – in a semi-final which they will begin as big favorites. A match that Johnny Sexton will watch in his newly retired clothes.
#Ireland #eliminated #quarter #Libération