Sport / Rugby World Cup 2023

Rugby World Cup 2023: All Blacks down Ireland in thriller to reach World Cup semi-finals

11:27 am on 15 October 2023

2023 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final, Stade de France, Paris, France 14/10/2023 Ireland vs New Zealand Ireland's Bundee Aki and New Zealand's Rieko Ioane and Aaron Smith Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan/www.photosport.nz Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The All Blacks came out on top in an absorbing contest to beat Ireland 28-24 at the Stade de France and reach the World Cup semi-finals on Saturday, as the Six Nations champions fell short once again.

As it happened - All Blacks through to semifinal after beating Ireland 28-24

Ian Foster's men were ruthless as they prevailed through tries from Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ardie Savea and Will Jordan as well as points from the tee by Richie Mo'unga and Jordie Barrett to end Ireland's 17-test winning streak.

Top-ranked Ireland, who have never made it past the quarter-finals at the World Cup, got on the scoreboard with tries by Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park with their other points coming from the boot of Johnny Sexton.

Yet they always trailed and their campaign ended at the end of an agonising 40-phase spell of possession.

New Zealand, gunning for a record-extending fourth title, will face Argentina for a place in the final after the Pumas beat Wales 29-17 in the early quarter-final.

- Reuters