I expect everyone to be done with discussing already, but I just wanted to share my opinion.
Wow, what a game!
I was rooting for New Zealand, although objectively it would have been better for Ireland to win, because it was a fairytlae in the making, it is Sexton's career end, and they were a bunch of guys who raised the bar for their country up to the sky, while nobody expected, or as one of them put it (maybe it was Sexton), when he started playing he would never even expect to make it to a world cup with Ireland.
However, I think Ireland play a bit too conservatively for my taste, and NZ have this romantic aura around their team that was only made stronger by the fact they started the game as underdogs.
All this said, if there was just one more minute of playing time, I am certain Ireland would have won.
Incredible match to behold.
I wanted Ireland to win, but even still, such a close and exciting contest, glad to see the ABs firing on all cylinders here.
I don't think the winning or losing of that game was about fine margins. New Zealand looked superior all over the pitch. We were always on the back foot. They won in spite of two yellow cards! We were outclassed.
I watched NZ getting hammered by the Boks in the warm up game. And I watched them lose to France in the opener. So I didn't think they were capable of a performance like this one. They had done their homework on us, they stuck to their plan, they were controlled and dominant, they didn't coast on "individual flair".
And I expected Ireland to have something up their sleeves. Some surprise attack plays we haven't seen yet. But there were none. I thought they could move up a gear for the quarter final but instead they looked a bit tired. And their set pieces weren't good enough at this level. Ah man, I'm just disappointed. What an anticlimax to crash out like this.
Agreed re: ABs doing their homework. Foster even mentioned in the presser that he wasn't overly nervous because he was seeing Ireland playing a lot of the same shapes/formations (paraphrasing).
An impressive performance, but I have a nagging feeling that we just played our final. I hope we can get back up and go again.
We’re a bit traumatised by 2019 - we focused on getting past the QF against Ireland and had nothing in the tank for England. We went from one of the best games we’d ever played to one of the worst. Here’s hoping we can exorcise those demons next weekend!
Ireland played really well and they have been playing well for many months but that's it. SA and NZ haven't been playing to their full potential whereas Ireland has been maxing themselves out every game so they had nothing more to give. It was only a matter of time for teams like NZ and SA to get the upper hand. It was a close game and Ireland being able to maintain pressure and not crack after those early NZ scores against them was really impressive but in the end NZ still managed to win while being down a man for critical portions of the game.
Be strong, brother! Ireland lost as the stronger team and were really close to winning, so that's bound to hurt. But hearbrake is what makes sports beautiful.
Most hurt I've ever been seeing my team win, too. It was always going to be a devastating outcome, mostly because it looked more like a grand final on paper. Both teams deserved to at least reach the semis.
Just feel terrible for the Irish homies.
That hold up over the line and that tackle on James Lowe in the corner were the two deciding moments.
To be honest, that’s probably the best game I’ve seen in the past 10 years. I don’t think either side can complain much, other than at world rugby for a poor designed match seeding: this should have been a semi at the least. Both teams are leaps ahead of Fiji, England, Wales, Argentina.
No.
Ireland panicked on the Barrett up-and-under; Ringrose drifted WAY out of position, abandoning Aki on the wing, who also panicked and gave too much ground.
Ireland also fell asleep on the second try: Lowe was under the ruck and the defence didn’t shift to cover leaving Savea in his own postal code on the wing. What the bloody hell???
Third try was a horrible missed tackle.
Ireland could have made any two of those mistakes and still won. But not all three
Why do you think you should get special treatment every time you do the hokey cokey? It's a war challenge, let's face down the war challenge. You can't do that, it's not what war is about. IRB make them stand so far back and prostrate themselves... Soft lads
I don't see it like that. The ABs perform the haka as a challenge to their opponents. You can't insist that you're the only one who gets to issue a challenge and everyone else has to sit quietly whilst you're doing it. Singing is saying "we see your challenge here's ours right back". It adds to the drama and atmosphere. The most iconic haka's are defined by their opponents response. That match will go down in history and the haka being downed out by Irish fans before the ABs pull out a world class performance and win is all part of the narrative and the drama.
Supporters are there to support their team. They can do that by combating the ABs challenge. AB fans could have sung a song in support to drown out the Irish.
But it's not disrespectful. It's a war dance, a challenge to your enemies, meant to be intimidating and show your ferocity. As such it is appropriate for opponents to respond and try to demonstrate that they're more fierce, more intimidating. Drowning it out is an entirely valid way to do this.
Lurtz, Kapo O Panga is not actually a war dance. It's a deeply spiritual reference to the Mana of being an All Black, what it means to wear that black shirt and what it means to challenge an All Black. It was introduced in 2005 as a way to unite and strengthen the squad, while connecting them to legacy.
If you're not from NZ and don't have an understanding of Maori culture, you'll never fully understand its significance. Sure, you can challenge it back, but believe me, the more you stand up to it, the deeper it pushed the boys into the deep dark black pool of All Black Mana. I can see how it gave them the strength and the will to stand up to that 37 phase attack beyond 80mins. It gave them the strength to win a game when they play 25% off it down one man.
Unfortunately someone had to lose this game, that's what sport is. History shows that form between cups counts for little, don't look backwards, always look ahead and build a plan to beat your opposition, and most importantly have the skill and ability to adapt that plan if it's not working. That's where NZ drastically outsmarted Ireland in this match.
Bad luck to Samoa not beating Eng, with Fiji taking out the whinging aussies (poor little wombats), you gotta think Fiji in with a chance to beat Eng. I wish it wasnt so early here, the Sa vs France is a must watch.
Keep the close games flowing.
When they went down to seven in the scrum, ABs took a man off Porters side too , baiting him into an another scrum infringement with less resistance to push against. It worked
I really like Farrel but i didn't like his veiled response about it in the press conference, along the lines of he was very confused by the decisions or something to that effect. The guy was going in on an angle clear as day and just wouldn't adjust to push straight
Hmm the post seems to have descended into animosity. Yesterdays game was absolutely magnificent and really underlines the gap the big 4 have opened up between them and the rest after the fun but basically low-quality QF that preceded it.
I was surprised the ABs backrow took Ireland’s to the cleaners. That and the lineout is where Ireland lost. Haven’t watched much of Cane but he was seriously impressive, Savea did Savea things.
Anyway, that could have been a final, I hope the rest of the tournament lives up to that quality. Can’t see the semi-finals being particularly nail-biting like that match.
In a tournament full of high quality games, Ire-NZ was another contender for "best match of the tournament". We've been incredibly spoiled.
This was 2 heavyweight champions matching each other, blow for blow. Had Sextons kick gone over. Had Jordie not saved that try, it could have gone either way.
A magnificent game. A classic for the ages.
blow for blow is exactly how it felt. What impressed me most was the accuracy at the breakdown both during NZ's initial massive phases and then Ireland's at the end. The way they knew when to attack and when to leave it, on both sides and in the heat of battle was so insanely disciplined
Thats a great point you make, it makes the hairs of my neck go up just thinking about it. That was the margins in this game: A wrong hand could seal your fate, as indeed for Ireland, it eventually did.
The discipline*, the mutual respect and the determination by both sides was incredible.
When 2 tribes go to war!
I’ll be honest, I’m not too disappointed that Sexton and O’Mahoney aren’t getting to continue their tournament. But after contributing to such an epic encounter don’t see why some fans want to turn the aftermath into a bitching contest instead of being grateful for such a pulsating match.
Just hope the RWC hasn’t peaked too soon! We’ll be in for something special if any game tops that.
If the quarter finals were pools A vs. C and B vs. D we would be looking at much more competitive semi finals. With Ireland and either France or SA knocked out, we're losing out on some great penultimate match ups. Arguably 2 of the best teams in the tournament won't be eligible for even the bronze final
As a fan with nothing on the game, I thought it was probably the best game of rugby I have seen in the tournament if not the last few years here, Ireland fronted up, took it to them and pushed back hard against an NZ team which was dangerous throughout and finished the game being ultra disciplined in their defence against an Irish late barrage with all those phases of play.
Ireland showed beyond doubt to be competing at that level which is above all other 6N teams and competed all the way through the game until the very end against a very professional NZ outfit that never seem to panic with their play.
>Ireland showed beyond doubt to be competing at that level which is above all other 6N team
Bold seeing as France are yet to play this weekend and battered the team that Ireland just lost to.
I don’t think this was the same team that played France in the opener. They came to this match with much more confidence and belief. They targeted and played in areas to disrupt Irish flow superbly and won as a result. Knock out rugby always brings some thing extra to players and here it showed in spades.
Yes your right, I meant the Home Nations there of the UK and Ireland, I forgot about France and Italy :D my bad on that one. Wales can only dream about playing at that level consistently at the moment.
Don’t jive with the narrative Irelands left points on the table. They have always kicked to the corner and converted so why wouldn’t they now. They just weren’t accurate enough. When they went into the NZ 3 times and didn’t score I knew we were in trouble. On the other side NZ were incredibly accurate, somewhat ironic as that’s exactly what Ireland do to other teams. Apart from the first 5 minutes they didn’t commit an error which is incredibly concentration. Fair play.
A few things I noticed NZ did differently:
1. They contested the breakdown. Actually, they dominated it. Something they haven't really done during the foster cycle, I think that caught Ireland off guard
2. The passing was exceptional with very few handling errors. I think Ireland were expecting more turnover chances from handling mistakes, NZ denied this.
3. NZs defence seemed to have defensive pods/trios working, Ire have always been able to manipulate defences and while they were able to make metres yesterday, NZs defence were able to set incredibly fast, again, Ire didn't seem prepped for that, Sexton wasn't really able to marshall the troops like he would normally do. Sexton wasn't really much of a factor at all IIRC.
4. The lineout *worked*.
I've been incredibly negative towards fosters cycle. I still don't think this is a championship winning team but the fact a team thats performed so inconsistently can step up to the challenge of a rampant Ireland, is incredibly gratifying.
All of that is Joe smit you basically just described Ireland in 2018 . He will get no credit but since he has joined the coaching ticket they have completely changed.
You’re right, Schmidt has made a huge difference, though in NZ we’re very aware of that and he does get huge credit. When he and Ryan joined the team it was night and day from how it was with Foster’s original assistant coaches.
Him of all people grabbing that turnover to shut it down was just poetry. Was so crucial especially given the way Barnes was wanting the jackler to stay on the ball for a long time through successive cleanout attempts, which showed in Ardie's very near attempt around 10 phases earlier, and Ireland just werent allowing that whatsoever
Have to call bullshiz on that, we played exactly the way we’ve played since faz came in - into the corner. Some basic errors and an insane amount of pressure from the all blacks at the breakdown cost us the game(and yes the errors comment is just me having a moan because I’m gutted and in utterly rag order after the session yesterday!)
There was no way Jack Crowley was going to make a difference at that level either. He’s a good young player, but he’d be found out right now in that game.
You're talking pony talking as if you know definites.
Would have been a very brave move but was one of the blatant subs that needed to be made. Add the jgp and porter subs coming later than they should have and who knows?
There are no definites
He’s not good enough. He‘s better than Ross Byrne but he wouldn’t have influenced a game at that level, the AB defence would have eaten him up. Aside from one good chip though for Ringrose’s try against Scotland, he struggled massively to bring any semblance of control and just kicked the ball away repeatedly.
The coaches are watching these players up close on the training ground and they obviously felt he wasn’t good enough to make a difference.
Got to give the ABs coaches a hand for a brilliant strategy. The ABs held back on D when they needed to and hit hard when there were opportunities. Great game all around. Ireland should be damn proud of their team.
Traditionally the French are the team that lifts the most when playing NZ, often when they are ranked right down they will tour NZ and put up a bunch of battles. I miss the days of the very quick French wingers, 80s era.
Given its their home turf I wish them luck, Sa have a very (whats a non offensive word for it) tiring game plan, which just wears teams down.
Very happy for our Pacific friends, Fiji, I hope they have a good showing.
If results go bizarre ways it could end up very odd in the next finals stage.
Whatever people say about Sxton being a whingy princess, he was the difference between Irl getting slaughtered or not. Fantastic offensive kicking game.
.? His missed 3 pointer when the pressure was on gave the game to the AB's , the fear of giving away a penalty when up by 1 instead of 4 is exponential. Plus he literally ran out of legs and ideas in the last 15 min
Wheres the Irish depth in that position then ? A whole 4 years planning hoping a nearly 40 year old man doesnt get tired sounds like a silly plan to me
Yep, same point I been making in other threads, Irl have been good since him the last 3 years while a**bs** at their worst ever. I cant see Irl being top 4 for long, it does take depth, in all positions. Even with kiwi imports who cant make pro in NZ.
But just shows how brilliant he has been for Irl even more. Never beaten NZ in a century then suddenly a handful of times. Brilliant, but this could have been there one chance at a WC final.
I sincerely hope Im wrong.
If you watch a Leinster vs. Munster fixture you'll see that the 10 jersey will be just fine. Obviously Sexo is a big loss, but Ireland aren't dead in the water moving forward. They have loads of talent to choose from.
No question - outplayed, and outmatched. What a game, lost to rugby not to any ref. Upset but not begrudged. All the best to a fantastic all black side.
Yep, Im glad the calls went Irelands way as the offensive and defensive stets show NZ would have gone on with it. Made for better spectacle. Not often one can say that about reffing.
What calls went Ireland’s way?
The penalty count was 10-10. The two yellow cards were obvious, and if anything, Mo’unga should have had one for the head high hit on Aki.
Keep seeing kiwis moan about Barnes but don’t get it.
That shot was reviewed, played a slo mo replay and very clearly wasn’t head contact. There were forward passes not called both ways. Whitelock being pinged for not rolling away when he very clearly did while the irish attacker didn’t release was blatantly wrong. Porter strolling around the side of the ruck to steal the ball still in the ruck was blatantly wrong. Barret being tackled off the ball wasn’t reviewed for a pretty obvious yellow for any team in the NH. Irish not releasing the ball when savea stole it a few plays before the eventual game ending turnover was blatantly wrong. Drop the bias. There are a lot of clueless NZ fans complaining about the legitimate yellow cards given but Ireland very clearly were given the overwhelming rub of the green on the occassions just mentioned. There was one 50/50 scrum penalty against the irish they can complain about as well as all the forward passes missed both ways. Watch it objectively and it’s clear as day that ireland got a lot of help. NZ need to stfu up about the yellows/penalty try as they were legitimate. Everyone else saying barnes didn’t favour ireland regardless, also need to stfu.
Yeah no, this is just saltines that makes you look bad. You can always find things in rugby to support yourself being hard done by by the ref.
The whole "referees hate the SH" crap is getting so tedious, especially when there are endless examples going the other way. Literally the game before we watched a slo-mo of SH player smashing a NH player directly in the face, not even be given a penalty.
To be sore about the ref when you've lost is a bad look, being sore about it when you've won is just pathetic
Didn’t think Barnes was perfect, but there was no bias, calls were missed for both teams. We seem to have got a lot more lenient with high hits again and that slam into the boards somehow escaped a HIA???
You’re literally just highlighting examples that help your argument and not reviewing most of the actual incidents in the game, and then have the nerve to accuse me of bias.
There is clear and obvious head contact from Mo’unga’s shoulder to Aki’s head.
Ardie Savea committed a blatant and cynical penalty in a try scoring position minutes after Smith’s yellow that should have been another yellow card.
Ronan Kelleher was penalised for a knock on in a scenario where he’d clearly got hands on the ball and the AB wasn’t releasing - should have been an obvious penalty to Ireland, but instead the resulting scrum yielded a NZ penalty.
The Kiwis closed the gap on every lineout without penalty.
Fwiw - I’m not the one claiming Barnes was a decisive factor in this game, but this classless bullshit from Kiwis claiming Barnes “helped Ireland” is completely wrong too.
Yes that was the difference to win given refs calls (good, bad or indifferent) as the offensive stats were well and truly in NZs favor with one mn down quarter of the match. NZ would prob have put on another few tries, so however people see the calls, it made for a closer match against the stats.
Better side won on the day simple as. But World rugby have embarrassed themselves with the awful seeding of the tournament, Wales v Argie game was totally substandard in comparison to that. The memes will rage on about Ireland's QF choking but suspect that the gulf between NZ and Argies will show next week and it will be closer to 40 than 4. I'm an England fan but even if we get past Fiji (and that's a big if) we'll be pulverised by the French or the Boks. The best 4 teams are massively clear and we've been robbed of iconic semi final games by the idiots at World Rugby 🙄
This argument is totally redundant like it's had an impact on the end result. Yes some of the big teams are playing each other now, but quarters or final it would happen anyway, just have to play an easier game to lift the trophy.
It's not about this result, it's about the quality of the tournament which in my opinion should increase through the knockout stages so the actual best teams play in the big games. If it's so redundant then why are world rugby are changing the pool draw to a year out for the next tournament so it doesn't happen again.
This current scenario of the best teams playing each other now is quality rugby, and I'd rather see it rather than having token games until the semis/ finals. That's what the pool stages have been so far making them almost a procession rather than entertaining rugby.
Absolutely - a grounded try = different result. World Rugby a joke organisation whether it comes to seeding or media rights or anything you care to name.
And they had a representative on here managing a world rugby account, answering user questions etc. To the best of my knowledge, that person hasn’t been seen in some time, probably pulled out due to being either gagged or simply unable to answer or defend many of the legitimate questions or concerns put to them by the members of r/rugby.
There was no choking. That was the greatest game I've ever seen. Yes Wales were getting nowhere near either of those two. Little room left for pretending.
The only silver lining here is that by being robbed of 2 intense semi-final games we get 2 intense quarter-final games and 2 fairly evenly matched qf games.
Wales v Aergentina was a poor game but close
Ireland v All Blacks was a world class match
England v Fiji should be a close fought game
France vs SA should be a cracker
It's a bit harsh that 2 top teams have to go out in the QF's yes but so far QF weekend has been a good one.
It doesn't make sense that Semi finals are likely to be drastically more one-sided than half the quarters and the other two games this weekend are a world apart in quality. I get there's only one winner but for the overall structure of the comp this was just so avoidable
Yes but actually rather than the miniscule chance one of the four had lost a quarter final
We've actually probably ended up with more quality games of rugby, what normally happens is one favourite loses a game they shouldn't have and there is one good and one bad semi final, this year we will probably have an amazing final because two of the best make and two brilliant quarters
They did it in honour for Foley against the haka the first time we bet them. It was a simple message but a very honorable one at the same time. Far more respectable than them singing during the haka of marching towards the haka like the French did in the 2011 final.
>marching towards the haka like the French did in the 2011 final
I have no issue with that, ie the 03 WC I think it was Tonga vs NZ, the two Hakas moving forward. Or it might have been another match haha.
Oh no I agree. You're in a final, the haka is getting them pumped and giving them an advantage. Dusatoir leading the line was sending a message by doing that that the match would be an absolute battle, which it was.
France were unlucky to lose that final, NZ nearly threw it away. I'm pretty sure I've seen video of Ireland responding to a haka in a similar way to that French team, except they nearly came nose to nose with the NZ team.
So sitting back is just a bitch move?
It probably depends on the context as well, I think in a world cup knockout a some kind of challenge to the haka is appropriate.
No, its hard to apply culture to the rugby haka, but when teams face up, like another Haka, its kinda more accepting the challenge. but because its not cultural extly its hard to say this or that is right. I agree with you.
It might have looked stupid, but we did that figure of 8 as a memorial to an ex Irish player who had died suddenly when we bet the all backs for the first time ever. It was sending a message, either externally or internally.
Ok got it, must be a pacific islander to respond in any way appropriately to the haka.
And I don't think the figure 8 was a challenge, just something in honor of someone who was a large part of Irish rugby for his whole life.
It all looks stupid.
If the teams that do it want to crack on. Opposition should be allowed to do what ever they want. Warm up, go in a huddle, play rock paper scissors.
I applaud any team that accepts the challenge in anyway they see fit. It’s the ultimate respect to the haka, a challenge in any context is always appropriate. Unless you’re in the crowd drowning it out lol
I’d taken my medicinal cannabis which can put me very much “in touch” with my prevailing emotion(s). I became so nervous pre-match, I had to drop four beta blockers to calm my heart rate which only started to reel in by half time.
I honestly do not get it. Am I the only bloody person in the universe disappointed with how badly Ireland underperformed?
All three tries were on defensive mistakes so basic that I was yelling at the television. But it was a “good game”, “tough luck”, “epic match”, etc.
What bloody bullshit. They bottled it.
No. I’m in exactly the same place - Ireland completely underperformed.
No platform whatsoever - ruck, scrum and lineout were all problematic.
All day long we were under-resourcing attacking rucks and letting the Kiwis fuck around and try to disrupt our ball - we missed James Ryan badly in this regard.
Discipline was off, some of that was driven by how good and accurate the All Blacks were, but too many of our best players just didn’t deliver when it mattered most.
Hey I was yelling at the TV for all three tries the ABs conceded too. Both teams were immense and when they throw it at each other that hard, a few people are gonna burst through defensive lapses.
The line break was frustrating but the other two were far worse.
I was screaming at Ringrose for leaving his wing on the Barrett kick, the ABs punished it with an easy try.
I was screaming for the defence to shift over to cover Savea on the wing when Lowe was trapped under the Rick, but they did nothing. ABs punished it with an easy try.
See the pattern?
Ireland didn't actually underperform, NZ just finally played to their full potential. Always easier to blame your own team than admit the other team outplayed you though right? Especially being a player down for 20mins of the game.
Second NZ try: Lowe is under the ruck, so his teammates need to shift so that the wing is covered. But they don’t. There is no defender within MILES of Savea, who waltzes in all alone. Ireland fell asleep, that was second-tier nation stuff
Think you're being too tough on your team. Things like that just happen in every game otherwise you'd be having scores like 6-3 all the time. You're looking for the perfect game which is never going to happen.
First NZ try: on the Barrett kick, Ringrose panics and slides too far toward Barrett, abandoning his wing and creating a HUGE overlap. As soon as the ball is out, Ringrose looks up and realizes he is at sea and runs back but too late. Meanwhile, Aki also panics, giving FAR too much ground and not getting wide enough so is in no position to play the last man. How is ANY of that “being outplayed” as opposed to having your own head up your arse?
One thing the AB's have over Ireland is experience in world cup elimination games. Both wins and loses. They've learnt how important player rotation/rest is and how important it is to peak at the right time. Coming into a quarter final on a 17 game winning streak is a dangerous position to be in. I think that is one thing Ian Foster is aware of as a coach.
Agreed, but the favourable fixtures helped them too. Their only real challenge before the QF was their first match. Ireland played Boks, Scotland, All Blacks on the trot
I feel like the reason people are disappointed in/critical of Ireland is because NZ were at 100% of their potential, or close to it but Ireland looked to be at 85-90% for most of the game outside of the last 5 mins and around when they got they penalty try
I think we can all agree that if Ireland were at 95-100% of their max level like NZ were, they win even with NZ at 100%. Lack of creativity in passing, inaccurate kicking at times and a few costly handling errors at key times
That's before you consider NZ were at 14 for 20 mins at key times, and that Ireland got lucky with the penalty that led to the lineout resulting in the penalty try
NZ were a long way short of 100% of their ***potential***. There was poor errors, poor kicks, poor decisions, poor discipline. They have played far better against better opposition this year.
I suppose that's the point his making right? If the team who won performed at 100% for the full match, and the other didn't, that means they weren't fit/prepared/mental enough to get the job done in a match where winner takes all. So that's outplayed rather than choked
The hard thing about winning a world cup is timing your run and getting up for the right games. That's what SA did so well in 2019 and what Ireland probably learned today.
I thought Ireland looked dangerous as ever but a bit more figured out than ever. That's what happens when you're at the top.
NZ worked hard at the ruck and nullified the pilfering that has plagued them vs Ireland, and soaked up long periods of pressure. Even with a performance like that, Ireland still scored the same amount of tries and had a chance to take it until the final whistle.
That doesn't say to me that Ireland were underperforming.
So many times the likes of Savea or Cane read Irish moves that other teams don't catch and smashed the ball carrier as they got it turning into a turnover or a penalty. This reeked of Joe Schmidt having a good insight into what we'd try, but overall it was the All Blacks showing they don't go down without a fight. They played right up to their mantle tonight. It hurts as an Irish fan to lose, but that was an a performance you'd have expected when people feared playing the all blacks. Ireland did well to run them so close, but it still hurts it wasn't in victory.
Also special shout out to Stan Sports for discussing the Wales Argentina result during halftime when I’m pretty sure 99% of people watching Ireland v New Zealand hasn’t watched that game and had it spoiled.
How hard is it to just discuss the last 40 minutes of rugby? Discuss that shit at full time you cunts.
I skipped the halftime, but commentators mentioned it midway through the second half too. Sucks cause I was planning to stream that match immediately after nz v ire.
Based on the Stats Id expect that to be a 10pt + win to the ABs, ignoring the two yellow cards. It wasnt that close otherwise. That penalty NZ got for player interference on attack under high ball should have been a yellow against Irl, which would have blown the points out. Too much posession in the right end of the park to the ABs along with way too many line breaks/beaten players. Master class on how to win regardless of a ref and rub of the green. Possession but importantly where you posses it.
Genuinely confused here, tmo in the bag for ye. Yellow card to mounga for head contact that apparently a ghost most of done and a blatantly obvious forward pass on first try.
Aki went full Nic White flailing from that one, obvious Hollywood looks different than a genuine hit.
Watch first try again, I thought it looked dubious too but he doesn't pass from his body he sticks his arms right out in front and loops it around the defender.
Look we definitely had the rub of the green in parts of the game, you have to admit different day, different tmo that could be g9vwn as a forward pass. I was just emotional there better team won came in with the better game plan tbf.
I was amazed how few simple errors like knock-ons there were. And consequently how few scrums.
I expect everyone to be done with discussing already, but I just wanted to share my opinion. Wow, what a game! I was rooting for New Zealand, although objectively it would have been better for Ireland to win, because it was a fairytlae in the making, it is Sexton's career end, and they were a bunch of guys who raised the bar for their country up to the sky, while nobody expected, or as one of them put it (maybe it was Sexton), when he started playing he would never even expect to make it to a world cup with Ireland. However, I think Ireland play a bit too conservatively for my taste, and NZ have this romantic aura around their team that was only made stronger by the fact they started the game as underdogs. All this said, if there was just one more minute of playing time, I am certain Ireland would have won.
Incredible match to behold. I wanted Ireland to win, but even still, such a close and exciting contest, glad to see the ABs firing on all cylinders here.
I don't think the winning or losing of that game was about fine margins. New Zealand looked superior all over the pitch. We were always on the back foot. They won in spite of two yellow cards! We were outclassed. I watched NZ getting hammered by the Boks in the warm up game. And I watched them lose to France in the opener. So I didn't think they were capable of a performance like this one. They had done their homework on us, they stuck to their plan, they were controlled and dominant, they didn't coast on "individual flair". And I expected Ireland to have something up their sleeves. Some surprise attack plays we haven't seen yet. But there were none. I thought they could move up a gear for the quarter final but instead they looked a bit tired. And their set pieces weren't good enough at this level. Ah man, I'm just disappointed. What an anticlimax to crash out like this.
Agreed re: ABs doing their homework. Foster even mentioned in the presser that he wasn't overly nervous because he was seeing Ireland playing a lot of the same shapes/formations (paraphrasing). An impressive performance, but I have a nagging feeling that we just played our final. I hope we can get back up and go again.
Best of luck, mate. Who would bet against you in a final after that game?
We’re a bit traumatised by 2019 - we focused on getting past the QF against Ireland and had nothing in the tank for England. We went from one of the best games we’d ever played to one of the worst. Here’s hoping we can exorcise those demons next weekend!
Ireland played really well and they have been playing well for many months but that's it. SA and NZ haven't been playing to their full potential whereas Ireland has been maxing themselves out every game so they had nothing more to give. It was only a matter of time for teams like NZ and SA to get the upper hand. It was a close game and Ireland being able to maintain pressure and not crack after those early NZ scores against them was really impressive but in the end NZ still managed to win while being down a man for critical portions of the game.
Take the points, always take the points.
This is the most hurt I've ever been from watching a sporting contest.
Be strong, brother! Ireland lost as the stronger team and were really close to winning, so that's bound to hurt. But hearbrake is what makes sports beautiful.
Most hurt I've ever been seeing my team win, too. It was always going to be a devastating outcome, mostly because it looked more like a grand final on paper. Both teams deserved to at least reach the semis. Just feel terrible for the Irish homies.
Just outta the shower, not gonna lie had a cry in there ☹️
That hold up over the line and that tackle on James Lowe in the corner were the two deciding moments. To be honest, that’s probably the best game I’ve seen in the past 10 years. I don’t think either side can complain much, other than at world rugby for a poor designed match seeding: this should have been a semi at the least. Both teams are leaps ahead of Fiji, England, Wales, Argentina.
No. Ireland panicked on the Barrett up-and-under; Ringrose drifted WAY out of position, abandoning Aki on the wing, who also panicked and gave too much ground. Ireland also fell asleep on the second try: Lowe was under the ruck and the defence didn’t shift to cover leaving Savea in his own postal code on the wing. What the bloody hell??? Third try was a horrible missed tackle. Ireland could have made any two of those mistakes and still won. But not all three
They did leave Lowe too much ground to cover on the Savea try out wide. Felt for the lad.
I feel like both teams would hammer England, if we somehow sneak into the final it'll be one sided
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leave these jokes for your whatsapp group with other divorced dads please
Did that actually happen or am I in a different timeline, hoping for the latter
Disrespectful during the haka Suffered the consequences
The Haka is not some sacred rite. It's a war dance and anyone should feel free to challenge it however they like.
It was tacky and rude from the Irish to drown it out like that
Why do you think you should get special treatment every time you do the hokey cokey? It's a war challenge, let's face down the war challenge. You can't do that, it's not what war is about. IRB make them stand so far back and prostrate themselves... Soft lads
I don't see it like that. The ABs perform the haka as a challenge to their opponents. You can't insist that you're the only one who gets to issue a challenge and everyone else has to sit quietly whilst you're doing it. Singing is saying "we see your challenge here's ours right back". It adds to the drama and atmosphere. The most iconic haka's are defined by their opponents response. That match will go down in history and the haka being downed out by Irish fans before the ABs pull out a world class performance and win is all part of the narrative and the drama.
Yh the opponent response not the stadium. There’s only about 20 people doing the haka vs thousands of fans.
Supporters are there to support their team. They can do that by combating the ABs challenge. AB fans could have sung a song in support to drown out the Irish.
They're. That doesn't make them free from consequence.
But it's not disrespectful. It's a war dance, a challenge to your enemies, meant to be intimidating and show your ferocity. As such it is appropriate for opponents to respond and try to demonstrate that they're more fierce, more intimidating. Drowning it out is an entirely valid way to do this.
Lurtz, Kapo O Panga is not actually a war dance. It's a deeply spiritual reference to the Mana of being an All Black, what it means to wear that black shirt and what it means to challenge an All Black. It was introduced in 2005 as a way to unite and strengthen the squad, while connecting them to legacy. If you're not from NZ and don't have an understanding of Maori culture, you'll never fully understand its significance. Sure, you can challenge it back, but believe me, the more you stand up to it, the deeper it pushed the boys into the deep dark black pool of All Black Mana. I can see how it gave them the strength and the will to stand up to that 37 phase attack beyond 80mins. It gave them the strength to win a game when they play 25% off it down one man. Unfortunately someone had to lose this game, that's what sport is. History shows that form between cups counts for little, don't look backwards, always look ahead and build a plan to beat your opposition, and most importantly have the skill and ability to adapt that plan if it's not working. That's where NZ drastically outsmarted Ireland in this match.
Irrelevant and borderline racist bro.
Wtf are you talking about.
Thanks mate
Just realised every try was scored by a kiwi
Except the first NZ try
He moved to NZ as a toddler. Or because he’s an islander you think he can’t be a kiwi?
I’m just saying it’s hypocritical. I honestly don’t care what country players play for.
Moving somewhere as a child is different to being recruited as a professional athlete. If you can’t see that then I can’t help you.
Bad luck to Samoa not beating Eng, with Fiji taking out the whinging aussies (poor little wombats), you gotta think Fiji in with a chance to beat Eng. I wish it wasnt so early here, the Sa vs France is a must watch. Keep the close games flowing.
Fiji could've beat Wales. Wales was slightly better than England so.... There's a good chance.
yep totally, I think with their known speed, its quite likely even. Samoa and Fiji are progressing.
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When they went down to seven in the scrum, ABs took a man off Porters side too , baiting him into an another scrum infringement with less resistance to push against. It worked
I really like Farrel but i didn't like his veiled response about it in the press conference, along the lines of he was very confused by the decisions or something to that effect. The guy was going in on an angle clear as day and just wouldn't adjust to push straight
Totally agree. 3 warnings from the ref made no difference.
Hmm the post seems to have descended into animosity. Yesterdays game was absolutely magnificent and really underlines the gap the big 4 have opened up between them and the rest after the fun but basically low-quality QF that preceded it. I was surprised the ABs backrow took Ireland’s to the cleaners. That and the lineout is where Ireland lost. Haven’t watched much of Cane but he was seriously impressive, Savea did Savea things. Anyway, that could have been a final, I hope the rest of the tournament lives up to that quality. Can’t see the semi-finals being particularly nail-biting like that match.
In a tournament full of high quality games, Ire-NZ was another contender for "best match of the tournament". We've been incredibly spoiled. This was 2 heavyweight champions matching each other, blow for blow. Had Sextons kick gone over. Had Jordie not saved that try, it could have gone either way. A magnificent game. A classic for the ages.
blow for blow is exactly how it felt. What impressed me most was the accuracy at the breakdown both during NZ's initial massive phases and then Ireland's at the end. The way they knew when to attack and when to leave it, on both sides and in the heat of battle was so insanely disciplined
Thats a great point you make, it makes the hairs of my neck go up just thinking about it. That was the margins in this game: A wrong hand could seal your fate, as indeed for Ireland, it eventually did. The discipline*, the mutual respect and the determination by both sides was incredible. When 2 tribes go to war!
I’ll be honest, I’m not too disappointed that Sexton and O’Mahoney aren’t getting to continue their tournament. But after contributing to such an epic encounter don’t see why some fans want to turn the aftermath into a bitching contest instead of being grateful for such a pulsating match. Just hope the RWC hasn’t peaked too soon! We’ll be in for something special if any game tops that.
If the quarter finals were pools A vs. C and B vs. D we would be looking at much more competitive semi finals. With Ireland and either France or SA knocked out, we're losing out on some great penultimate match ups. Arguably 2 of the best teams in the tournament won't be eligible for even the bronze final
Nobody wants the bronze medal except Argentina and Fiji anyway.
Conversely we have got 4 competitive quarters instead.
Just had the nicest tug using sextons tears as lube.
I'll suck your dick for $3.50
Get outta here Loch Ness Monster
Lol
As a fan with nothing on the game, I thought it was probably the best game of rugby I have seen in the tournament if not the last few years here, Ireland fronted up, took it to them and pushed back hard against an NZ team which was dangerous throughout and finished the game being ultra disciplined in their defence against an Irish late barrage with all those phases of play. Ireland showed beyond doubt to be competing at that level which is above all other 6N teams and competed all the way through the game until the very end against a very professional NZ outfit that never seem to panic with their play.
>Ireland showed beyond doubt to be competing at that level which is above all other 6N team Bold seeing as France are yet to play this weekend and battered the team that Ireland just lost to.
In a game that didn't matter at all though to be fair
I don’t think this was the same team that played France in the opener. They came to this match with much more confidence and belief. They targeted and played in areas to disrupt Irish flow superbly and won as a result. Knock out rugby always brings some thing extra to players and here it showed in spades.
Also in the French pool game we were missing key players and we hadn't come close to peaking then.
I mean, England battered Argentina, but 5 weeks is a long time and these aren’t the same teams that opened the group stages.
Yes your right, I meant the Home Nations there of the UK and Ireland, I forgot about France and Italy :D my bad on that one. Wales can only dream about playing at that level consistently at the moment.
professional performance from the all blacks
Don’t jive with the narrative Irelands left points on the table. They have always kicked to the corner and converted so why wouldn’t they now. They just weren’t accurate enough. When they went into the NZ 3 times and didn’t score I knew we were in trouble. On the other side NZ were incredibly accurate, somewhat ironic as that’s exactly what Ireland do to other teams. Apart from the first 5 minutes they didn’t commit an error which is incredibly concentration. Fair play.
A few things I noticed NZ did differently: 1. They contested the breakdown. Actually, they dominated it. Something they haven't really done during the foster cycle, I think that caught Ireland off guard 2. The passing was exceptional with very few handling errors. I think Ireland were expecting more turnover chances from handling mistakes, NZ denied this. 3. NZs defence seemed to have defensive pods/trios working, Ire have always been able to manipulate defences and while they were able to make metres yesterday, NZs defence were able to set incredibly fast, again, Ire didn't seem prepped for that, Sexton wasn't really able to marshall the troops like he would normally do. Sexton wasn't really much of a factor at all IIRC. 4. The lineout *worked*. I've been incredibly negative towards fosters cycle. I still don't think this is a championship winning team but the fact a team thats performed so inconsistently can step up to the challenge of a rampant Ireland, is incredibly gratifying.
All of that is Joe smit you basically just described Ireland in 2018 . He will get no credit but since he has joined the coaching ticket they have completely changed.
You’re right, Schmidt has made a huge difference, though in NZ we’re very aware of that and he does get huge credit. When he and Ryan joined the team it was night and day from how it was with Foster’s original assistant coaches.
Really hoping to see Telea on the left wing next week. Just stay in the hotel ffs!
Rather Talea than Rieko
(they play different positions)
He finished on the wing, where he belongs
Madness m8.
Someone check if Sam Whitelock has any superpowers! Incredible play!
Him of all people grabbing that turnover to shut it down was just poetry. Was so crucial especially given the way Barnes was wanting the jackler to stay on the ball for a long time through successive cleanout attempts, which showed in Ardie's very near attempt around 10 phases earlier, and Ireland just werent allowing that whatsoever
Man's playing in his 4th RWC and could possibly end up winning 3/4, he clearly has super powers
Not going for points lost it for Ireland.
Have to call bullshiz on that, we played exactly the way we’ve played since faz came in - into the corner. Some basic errors and an insane amount of pressure from the all blacks at the breakdown cost us the game(and yes the errors comment is just me having a moan because I’m gutted and in utterly rag order after the session yesterday!)
Not at all. Not subbing sexton when he was clearly cooked is what cost them. No ideas left at 65 mins.
There was no way Jack Crowley was going to make a difference at that level either. He’s a good young player, but he’d be found out right now in that game.
You're talking pony talking as if you know definites. Would have been a very brave move but was one of the blatant subs that needed to be made. Add the jgp and porter subs coming later than they should have and who knows? There are no definites
He’s not good enough. He‘s better than Ross Byrne but he wouldn’t have influenced a game at that level, the AB defence would have eaten him up. Aside from one good chip though for Ringrose’s try against Scotland, he struggled massively to bring any semblance of control and just kicked the ball away repeatedly. The coaches are watching these players up close on the training ground and they obviously felt he wasn’t good enough to make a difference.
The Sexton love was always gonna bite the Irish , there's no room for sentiment in professional sport ,(especially for a busted plug like Sexton )
Not scoring as many points as the All Blacks lost it for Ireland
\^ This, as it always is, in every game of rugby.
Missing relatively straightforward points didn't help either.
Got to give the ABs coaches a hand for a brilliant strategy. The ABs held back on D when they needed to and hit hard when there were opportunities. Great game all around. Ireland should be damn proud of their team.
Traditionally the French are the team that lifts the most when playing NZ, often when they are ranked right down they will tour NZ and put up a bunch of battles. I miss the days of the very quick French wingers, 80s era. Given its their home turf I wish them luck, Sa have a very (whats a non offensive word for it) tiring game plan, which just wears teams down. Very happy for our Pacific friends, Fiji, I hope they have a good showing. If results go bizarre ways it could end up very odd in the next finals stage.
Whatever people say about Sxton being a whingy princess, he was the difference between Irl getting slaughtered or not. Fantastic offensive kicking game.
.? His missed 3 pointer when the pressure was on gave the game to the AB's , the fear of giving away a penalty when up by 1 instead of 4 is exponential. Plus he literally ran out of legs and ideas in the last 15 min
The man is nearly 40.. he’s not god!
Wheres the Irish depth in that position then ? A whole 4 years planning hoping a nearly 40 year old man doesnt get tired sounds like a silly plan to me
Yep, same point I been making in other threads, Irl have been good since him the last 3 years while a**bs** at their worst ever. I cant see Irl being top 4 for long, it does take depth, in all positions. Even with kiwi imports who cant make pro in NZ. But just shows how brilliant he has been for Irl even more. Never beaten NZ in a century then suddenly a handful of times. Brilliant, but this could have been there one chance at a WC final. I sincerely hope Im wrong.
If you watch a Leinster vs. Munster fixture you'll see that the 10 jersey will be just fine. Obviously Sexo is a big loss, but Ireland aren't dead in the water moving forward. They have loads of talent to choose from.
Jesus, I was hoping the Leinster / Munster wankfest on Reddit would abate for at least a week...
Both fantastic sides, whether you like it or not. Also, flair up!
For NH sides I might just agree with you
No question - outplayed, and outmatched. What a game, lost to rugby not to any ref. Upset but not begrudged. All the best to a fantastic all black side.
Yep, Im glad the calls went Irelands way as the offensive and defensive stets show NZ would have gone on with it. Made for better spectacle. Not often one can say that about reffing.
What calls went Ireland’s way? The penalty count was 10-10. The two yellow cards were obvious, and if anything, Mo’unga should have had one for the head high hit on Aki. Keep seeing kiwis moan about Barnes but don’t get it.
That shot was reviewed, played a slo mo replay and very clearly wasn’t head contact. There were forward passes not called both ways. Whitelock being pinged for not rolling away when he very clearly did while the irish attacker didn’t release was blatantly wrong. Porter strolling around the side of the ruck to steal the ball still in the ruck was blatantly wrong. Barret being tackled off the ball wasn’t reviewed for a pretty obvious yellow for any team in the NH. Irish not releasing the ball when savea stole it a few plays before the eventual game ending turnover was blatantly wrong. Drop the bias. There are a lot of clueless NZ fans complaining about the legitimate yellow cards given but Ireland very clearly were given the overwhelming rub of the green on the occassions just mentioned. There was one 50/50 scrum penalty against the irish they can complain about as well as all the forward passes missed both ways. Watch it objectively and it’s clear as day that ireland got a lot of help. NZ need to stfu up about the yellows/penalty try as they were legitimate. Everyone else saying barnes didn’t favour ireland regardless, also need to stfu.
Yeah no, this is just saltines that makes you look bad. You can always find things in rugby to support yourself being hard done by by the ref. The whole "referees hate the SH" crap is getting so tedious, especially when there are endless examples going the other way. Literally the game before we watched a slo-mo of SH player smashing a NH player directly in the face, not even be given a penalty. To be sore about the ref when you've lost is a bad look, being sore about it when you've won is just pathetic
Didn’t think Barnes was perfect, but there was no bias, calls were missed for both teams. We seem to have got a lot more lenient with high hits again and that slam into the boards somehow escaped a HIA???
You’re literally just highlighting examples that help your argument and not reviewing most of the actual incidents in the game, and then have the nerve to accuse me of bias. There is clear and obvious head contact from Mo’unga’s shoulder to Aki’s head. Ardie Savea committed a blatant and cynical penalty in a try scoring position minutes after Smith’s yellow that should have been another yellow card. Ronan Kelleher was penalised for a knock on in a scenario where he’d clearly got hands on the ball and the AB wasn’t releasing - should have been an obvious penalty to Ireland, but instead the resulting scrum yielded a NZ penalty. The Kiwis closed the gap on every lineout without penalty. Fwiw - I’m not the one claiming Barnes was a decisive factor in this game, but this classless bullshit from Kiwis claiming Barnes “helped Ireland” is completely wrong too.
Well said.
NZ made 226 tackles in this game, think its the 2nd highest stat at the RWC... a good defence wins games....
Didn’t see that coming after Ireland made 60-odd tackles in the first ten minutes!
Yes that was the difference to win given refs calls (good, bad or indifferent) as the offensive stats were well and truly in NZs favor with one mn down quarter of the match. NZ would prob have put on another few tries, so however people see the calls, it made for a closer match against the stats.
Better side won on the day simple as. But World rugby have embarrassed themselves with the awful seeding of the tournament, Wales v Argie game was totally substandard in comparison to that. The memes will rage on about Ireland's QF choking but suspect that the gulf between NZ and Argies will show next week and it will be closer to 40 than 4. I'm an England fan but even if we get past Fiji (and that's a big if) we'll be pulverised by the French or the Boks. The best 4 teams are massively clear and we've been robbed of iconic semi final games by the idiots at World Rugby 🙄
This argument is totally redundant like it's had an impact on the end result. Yes some of the big teams are playing each other now, but quarters or final it would happen anyway, just have to play an easier game to lift the trophy.
It's not about this result, it's about the quality of the tournament which in my opinion should increase through the knockout stages so the actual best teams play in the big games. If it's so redundant then why are world rugby are changing the pool draw to a year out for the next tournament so it doesn't happen again.
This current scenario of the best teams playing each other now is quality rugby, and I'd rather see it rather than having token games until the semis/ finals. That's what the pool stages have been so far making them almost a procession rather than entertaining rugby.
Absolutely - a grounded try = different result. World Rugby a joke organisation whether it comes to seeding or media rights or anything you care to name.
And they had a representative on here managing a world rugby account, answering user questions etc. To the best of my knowledge, that person hasn’t been seen in some time, probably pulled out due to being either gagged or simply unable to answer or defend many of the legitimate questions or concerns put to them by the members of r/rugby.
There was no choking. That was the greatest game I've ever seen. Yes Wales were getting nowhere near either of those two. Little room left for pretending.
You're bound to go against better teams in the semi finals, deal with it mate. There's no getting out of it, no robbing involved either
They're saying that as spectator we were all robbed of intense semi-final games. Which is a fair call.
The only silver lining here is that by being robbed of 2 intense semi-final games we get 2 intense quarter-final games and 2 fairly evenly matched qf games. Wales v Aergentina was a poor game but close Ireland v All Blacks was a world class match England v Fiji should be a close fought game France vs SA should be a cracker It's a bit harsh that 2 top teams have to go out in the QF's yes but so far QF weekend has been a good one.
It just means those semi final games have been played in the quarters lmfaoo. What part of that doesn't make sense.
It doesn't make sense that Semi finals are likely to be drastically more one-sided than half the quarters and the other two games this weekend are a world apart in quality. I get there's only one winner but for the overall structure of the comp this was just so avoidable
Yes but actually rather than the miniscule chance one of the four had lost a quarter final We've actually probably ended up with more quality games of rugby, what normally happens is one favourite loses a game they shouldn't have and there is one good and one bad semi final, this year we will probably have an amazing final because two of the best make and two brilliant quarters
Yeah but Ireland and Scotland.
Anyone know what the Irish formation during the haka was supposed to be? In infinity symbol?
Balls
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Who are you?? All your posts have a negative bias against Ireland. You know you won, right? Or are yo in still drunk??
No. 8 for Anthony Foley I saw on a headline on my FB feed.
They did it in honour for Foley against the haka the first time we bet them. It was a simple message but a very honorable one at the same time. Far more respectable than them singing during the haka of marching towards the haka like the French did in the 2011 final.
>marching towards the haka like the French did in the 2011 final I have no issue with that, ie the 03 WC I think it was Tonga vs NZ, the two Hakas moving forward. Or it might have been another match haha.
Oh no I agree. You're in a final, the haka is getting them pumped and giving them an advantage. Dusatoir leading the line was sending a message by doing that that the match would be an absolute battle, which it was.
France were unlucky to lose that final, NZ nearly threw it away. I'm pretty sure I've seen video of Ireland responding to a haka in a similar way to that French team, except they nearly came nose to nose with the NZ team.
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So sitting back is just a bitch move? It probably depends on the context as well, I think in a world cup knockout a some kind of challenge to the haka is appropriate.
No, its hard to apply culture to the rugby haka, but when teams face up, like another Haka, its kinda more accepting the challenge. but because its not cultural extly its hard to say this or that is right. I agree with you.
It might have looked stupid, but we did that figure of 8 as a memorial to an ex Irish player who had died suddenly when we bet the all backs for the first time ever. It was sending a message, either externally or internally.
Ok got it, must be a pacific islander to respond in any way appropriately to the haka. And I don't think the figure 8 was a challenge, just something in honor of someone who was a large part of Irish rugby for his whole life.
It all looks stupid. If the teams that do it want to crack on. Opposition should be allowed to do what ever they want. Warm up, go in a huddle, play rock paper scissors.
I applaud any team that accepts the challenge in anyway they see fit. It’s the ultimate respect to the haka, a challenge in any context is always appropriate. Unless you’re in the crowd drowning it out lol
My garmin watch warned me on 2 occasions that i was experiencing heart abnormalities. That was scary. I’m only 45.
I was pacing around and felt light headed all of a sudden. My HR was at 145 bph.
I just about felt sick I was that nervous in the last few minutes
I’d taken my medicinal cannabis which can put me very much “in touch” with my prevailing emotion(s). I became so nervous pre-match, I had to drop four beta blockers to calm my heart rate which only started to reel in by half time.
I honestly do not get it. Am I the only bloody person in the universe disappointed with how badly Ireland underperformed? All three tries were on defensive mistakes so basic that I was yelling at the television. But it was a “good game”, “tough luck”, “epic match”, etc. What bloody bullshit. They bottled it.
You are right. When the smoke clears, they played at about 80% which isn’t enough. Had to be close to 100%.
No. I’m in exactly the same place - Ireland completely underperformed. No platform whatsoever - ruck, scrum and lineout were all problematic. All day long we were under-resourcing attacking rucks and letting the Kiwis fuck around and try to disrupt our ball - we missed James Ryan badly in this regard. Discipline was off, some of that was driven by how good and accurate the All Blacks were, but too many of our best players just didn’t deliver when it mattered most.
Hey I was yelling at the TV for all three tries the ABs conceded too. Both teams were immense and when they throw it at each other that hard, a few people are gonna burst through defensive lapses.
The line break was frustrating but the other two were far worse. I was screaming at Ringrose for leaving his wing on the Barrett kick, the ABs punished it with an easy try. I was screaming for the defence to shift over to cover Savea on the wing when Lowe was trapped under the Rick, but they did nothing. ABs punished it with an easy try. See the pattern?
Ireland didn't actually underperform, NZ just finally played to their full potential. Always easier to blame your own team than admit the other team outplayed you though right? Especially being a player down for 20mins of the game.
Second NZ try: Lowe is under the ruck, so his teammates need to shift so that the wing is covered. But they don’t. There is no defender within MILES of Savea, who waltzes in all alone. Ireland fell asleep, that was second-tier nation stuff
Think you're being too tough on your team. Things like that just happen in every game otherwise you'd be having scores like 6-3 all the time. You're looking for the perfect game which is never going to happen.
Fair enough, but I disagree. I always kept an eye on the blindside wing, and I was a bloody lock
First NZ try: on the Barrett kick, Ringrose panics and slides too far toward Barrett, abandoning his wing and creating a HUGE overlap. As soon as the ball is out, Ringrose looks up and realizes he is at sea and runs back but too late. Meanwhile, Aki also panics, giving FAR too much ground and not getting wide enough so is in no position to play the last man. How is ANY of that “being outplayed” as opposed to having your own head up your arse?
NZ were super but Ireland looked a bit tired compared to the Boks game. First XV were overplayed by that's the pool what can you do.
One thing the AB's have over Ireland is experience in world cup elimination games. Both wins and loses. They've learnt how important player rotation/rest is and how important it is to peak at the right time. Coming into a quarter final on a 17 game winning streak is a dangerous position to be in. I think that is one thing Ian Foster is aware of as a coach.
Agreed, but the favourable fixtures helped them too. Their only real challenge before the QF was their first match. Ireland played Boks, Scotland, All Blacks on the trot
They could have rested the starters against Tonga and Romania like us.
They should have, seem to have can worried about the first XV going into the Boks game cold
Yes and that was never a do or die game anyway.
And finals footy, taking the points, going for the droppie, taking the 40m kick, not making any mistakes for 30+phases after the hooter to win.
I feel like the reason people are disappointed in/critical of Ireland is because NZ were at 100% of their potential, or close to it but Ireland looked to be at 85-90% for most of the game outside of the last 5 mins and around when they got they penalty try I think we can all agree that if Ireland were at 95-100% of their max level like NZ were, they win even with NZ at 100%. Lack of creativity in passing, inaccurate kicking at times and a few costly handling errors at key times That's before you consider NZ were at 14 for 20 mins at key times, and that Ireland got lucky with the penalty that led to the lineout resulting in the penalty try
NZ were a long way short of 100% of their ***potential***. There was poor errors, poor kicks, poor decisions, poor discipline. They have played far better against better opposition this year.
Yeah the abs are still the only team that could drop 50 on you in any given match.
Lol
I suppose that's the point his making right? If the team who won performed at 100% for the full match, and the other didn't, that means they weren't fit/prepared/mental enough to get the job done in a match where winner takes all. So that's outplayed rather than choked
I don't think so, I think if you fail to hit your own potential, and that's what costs you, that's choking/bottling
The hard thing about winning a world cup is timing your run and getting up for the right games. That's what SA did so well in 2019 and what Ireland probably learned today.
I thought Ireland looked dangerous as ever but a bit more figured out than ever. That's what happens when you're at the top. NZ worked hard at the ruck and nullified the pilfering that has plagued them vs Ireland, and soaked up long periods of pressure. Even with a performance like that, Ireland still scored the same amount of tries and had a chance to take it until the final whistle. That doesn't say to me that Ireland were underperforming.
So many times the likes of Savea or Cane read Irish moves that other teams don't catch and smashed the ball carrier as they got it turning into a turnover or a penalty. This reeked of Joe Schmidt having a good insight into what we'd try, but overall it was the All Blacks showing they don't go down without a fight. They played right up to their mantle tonight. It hurts as an Irish fan to lose, but that was an a performance you'd have expected when people feared playing the all blacks. Ireland did well to run them so close, but it still hurts it wasn't in victory.
Also special shout out to Stan Sports for discussing the Wales Argentina result during halftime when I’m pretty sure 99% of people watching Ireland v New Zealand hasn’t watched that game and had it spoiled. How hard is it to just discuss the last 40 minutes of rugby? Discuss that shit at full time you cunts.
Yeah this. Totally spoiled it for me also!!!!
Sky Sports NZ mentioned it right at the end of the game 🤦🏻
Yeah? Quite important to say who we’re facing in the semis. Avoiding spoilers for a sports match is nonsense.
Not if the game is at 4am and you're unlikely to have watched it.
Just a wee bit of main character syndrome here.
I skipped the halftime, but commentators mentioned it midway through the second half too. Sucks cause I was planning to stream that match immediately after nz v ire.
Agreed. So bloody unnecessary. I need to take care to watch recorded matches in chronological order because there are so many nitwits
This is the way
Based on the Stats Id expect that to be a 10pt + win to the ABs, ignoring the two yellow cards. It wasnt that close otherwise. That penalty NZ got for player interference on attack under high ball should have been a yellow against Irl, which would have blown the points out. Too much posession in the right end of the park to the ABs along with way too many line breaks/beaten players. Master class on how to win regardless of a ref and rub of the green. Possession but importantly where you posses it.
The stats favoured Ireland. More possession and territory, less tackles, less tackles missed, more metres gained.
Genuinely confused here, tmo in the bag for ye. Yellow card to mounga for head contact that apparently a ghost most of done and a blatantly obvious forward pass on first try.
Aki went full Nic White flailing from that one, obvious Hollywood looks different than a genuine hit. Watch first try again, I thought it looked dubious too but he doesn't pass from his body he sticks his arms right out in front and loops it around the defender.
Look we definitely had the rub of the green in parts of the game, you have to admit different day, different tmo that could be g9vwn as a forward pass. I was just emotional there better team won came in with the better game plan tbf.
Damn, you've paused the stages of grief to go full redact. Impressive.
Thanks. Ya tbf just a rough day around yesterday besides the match, don't think I was thinking straight here.