This 2023 Ireland rugby team had the ability to win a Rugby World Cup, there can be no doubt about that.
A few small moments in those last 20 minutes on Saturday gave them every opportunity to advance to their first World Cup semi final where Argentina awaited. It wasn't to be and Ireland's record in World Cup quarter finals moves to 0-8.
It was a team comprised of some of Ireland's greatest-ever players as well as some of the best young talent the nation has ever produced.
Despite some sensational performances in their pool and the real opportunity they gave themselves against the All Blacks, their Rugby World Cup dream dies after one of the best quarter-final matches the tournament has ever seen.
Brett Igoe has rated every Ireland game for us bar the Romania game and here are the average ratings of every Ireland player across the tournament, with a final average attributed to each player.
Overall Player Ratings For Ireland Rugby Squad At The 2023 World Cup
Overall Player Ratings for Ireland Rugby Starting 15
Andrew Porter-7.5
An absolute colossus for Ireland over the past 6 weeks. He played 74 minutes and against South Africa and 76 against New Zealand, simply unheard of for a prop in the modern era. He encapsulates everything you want in a player. The images of him at the final whistle were of a man who had given everything to the cause.
Props Workloads #IREvNZL #Rugby . A look at the minutes played and workload of #IRE #NZL - READ BELOW ⬇️ ⬇️⬇️- https://t.co/cSRxvTsRtN pic.twitter.com/W0yvBT3Jcr
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) October 14, 2023
Dan Sheehan-7.66
There was real anxiety amongst Irish fans at the prospect of Sheehan not returning to fitness this World Cup. He has been a revelation for the Ireland rugby and ever since his reintroduction into the side, he has been superb. The lineout appeared much more settled and his open field play especially against Scotland was unrivalled. Mack Hansen's cross-field kick bounced maybe 2 inches too high to deny Sheehan a score at a vital moment on Saturday.
14 October 2023; Dan Sheehan of Ireland during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Tadhg Furlong-7.2
An iconic figure in green. He and Porter have formed a partnership that could be considered the best prop forward combination in the world. It was apparent he was doing more than could possibly be asked of him throughout this tournament, including a near 80 minute shift against Tonga. At the age of 30, you'd be surprised if we see him able to fulfil a similar roll in Australia 2027.
Iain Henderson-6.8
James Ryan's injury was a major concern for the Ireland rugby team but in those final 25 minutes against the Springboks, the Ulsterman's leadership and stature rose to the fore. A constant ballast in the tight combined with a calming presence at line out time. At 31, the big Belfast lock still has time in the jersey but will be pushed hard if he is to give it another crack in four years time.
Tadhg Beirne-7.8
A man who has risen from relative obscurity to become one of the best second rows in the world. He made the crucial intervention at the final line out against the Boks to seal victory. He provides a constant jackal threat and one of the All Blacks great victories on Saturday was keeping him quiet in this department, as they conceded only 3 turnovers in the entire 80 minutes. A player that the Irelandrugby team would love to keep going forever.
Peter O'Mahony-7.8
He epitomises everything fans loved about this Irish team. Heart, passion, aggression and he never took a backwards step. This World Cup he maybe played some of his best rugby. He was constantly at the forefront of everything Ireland rugby did brilliantly over the last 4 years. Written off constantly by pundits as he's gotten older but you'd struggle to find a man who it means more to, to wear the green jersey. With his contract up at the end of this season, he's a man who deserves a proper send off before he hangs up the boots.
Josh Van der Flier-7.6
The World Player of the Year in 2022 and he maintained that form throughout this season. His appetite for work was unfathomable having played 264 minutes leading in to the quarter final. He and Doris topped the stats for most attacking and defensive ruck interventions for the pool stages. Ireland's 7 for as long as he wants to be.
Caelan Doris-7.9
Ireland's best player over the course of a year where they won 17 test matches in a row including a Grand Slam and away series in New Zealand. He's the centre of everything the Ireland rugby team do well in attack and defence. A dropped ball from a goal line drop out in the last 10 minutes compounded Sexton's missed kick. A man with plenty more opportunities to come.
14 October 2023; Caelan Doris of Ireland is consoled after the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Jamison Gibson Park-6.62
He showed his potential in attack throughout the tournament. His best performance came against Scotland and his try was expertly taken on Saturday. He tried as much as he could to give Ireland rugby the kind of buzz and spark they needed at the start of that second half but couldn't find the kind of rhythm he showed against the Scots.
Johnny Sexton-8.3
This wasn't how it was supposed to end. Ireland's greatest-ever player deserved more. His tournament was sparkling and he proved time and time again that age was simply a number. No more so than when he led that final drive of 37 phases which ultimately fell short. The missed penalty will live with him but it does not overshadow the fact he is the greatest player to ever pull on the Irish jersey. Words will never do this man justice and neither does his final game.
14 October 2023; Jonathan Sexton of Ireland after his side's defeat in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
James Lowe-7.2
One half of a most loveable wing partnership. The passion and love for the contest was always there and he gave the Ireland rugby team a boost in defence and attack throughout the tournament. He played 360 minutes and never stopped bringing his infectious energy.
Bundee Aki-8.2
Ireland's player of the tournament. 5 tries and 81 carries(most by any player). For a 33 year old man to look in the best shape of his life is incredible. He was the only man who was able to consistently win on the gainline against the Boks. While he single handedly carried Ireland back in to the game with his try on Saturday. He played 400 minutes in the tournament and was still making consistent yards in that titanic final effort. Andy Farrell constantly put his faith in him and was rewarded by his performances over the past 2 years.
Bundee Aki ended the World Cup tournament with a great try . Sadly despite his best efforts it wasn't enough to get over the line. He done himself & Connacht rugby proud with some fantastic displays. pic.twitter.com/PcP0CcCkuI
— 🇱🇻Sporting Galway🇱🇻 (@SportingGalway) October 15, 2023
Gary Ringrose-7.6
Ireland's defensive leader and proved himself as one of the most potent attacking threats in the tournament. He also played 359 minutes and never missed a beat. His communication and body on the line mentality are one of the things that tied that Irish backline together. He has put his hand up as a potential future captain.
Mack Hansen- 7
What a find he has been for the Ireland rugby team since bursting on to the scene 3 years ago. His tries always seemed to come at the most vital times. Despite his injury he played a very important role in Ireland's fightback on Saturday. His cross field kick to Sheehan was inches away from being a match defining moment
Hugo Keenan-7.1
Another 400 minute man for Ireland. He has never let his country down. His constant quality is sometimes taken for granted but against the All Blacks he put in one of the best performances by a full back that the World Cup has ever seen. To see him stood bandaged up at full time was a representation of the whole team. A player that every other rugby team in the world wishes they had.
14 October 2023; Hugo Keenan of Ireland after his side's defeat in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Valued off the bench - Overall Player Ratings for Ireland Rugby Subs
Ronan Kelleher-7
He copped a lot of unwarranted flack for the line out issues against the Springboks. His output in attack and defence is that of a quality back rower. His energy was superb when he came on and had he not been thwarted by Jordie Barrett he may well have been Ireland's great saviour. It'll be hard for Ireland rugby fans to understand how he didn't manage to get the ball down in the most crucial of moments. He will bounce back.
David Kilcoyne-5.75
The Munster man was always likely to play second fiddle to Porter. He led Ireland's off field committee and was a very valued member of the group. His role was suddenly enhanced after that devastating injury to Cian Healy in the warm up game against Samoa. Carried multiple times in that final attack. Ultimately he did as much as he could in those final four minutes he was given.
Finlay Bealham-7.33
A man who wasn't often given much credit for his work. Every time he came on he worked his socks off. He made more tackles than any Irish front rower once he came on against the ABs and provided a quality substitute for Furlong throughout the tournament.
James Ryan-7.1
An injury came at the worst possible time for one of Ireland's key leaders. It felt wrong that he wasn't able to play a full role in this World Cup having done so much in the last 5 years since his debut. Probably the front runner to take over from Sexton as captain and lead the Ireland rugby team in this journey over the next 4 years.
Conor Murray-7.3
Ireland's greatest scrumhalf. There was a period when it felt like he may slip away into relative obscurity a few years ago. This last year he found some of his best form once again. His role off the bench was one that the team needed him to do and he slotted in to brilliantly. A veteran presence who has played 4 World Cups but you have to doubt there'll be a fifth.
Jack Crowley-7
The heir to the throne? His 30 minutes against Scotland was extremely promising. Understandably was not called upon on Saturday but his 8 minutes against the Boks showed the kind of leadership quality that his required of Ireland's future flyhalf.
14 October 2023; Jack Crowley, left, and Jonathan Sexton of Ireland after their side's defeat in during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Conan, Baird, McCarthy-7
Each of these men finished with the same tournament rating. It was fitting as they fulfilled that important role of bringing impact of the bench. All proved themselves to be vital cogs in the machine.
McCloskey, Jimmy OBrien, Henshaw- 8,8,7
McCloskey and OBrien played superbly in each of their one off appearances. Henshaw's absence however is notable as it brings in to question how much longer his body can hold up. Irish fans will be hoping he's got another 4 years in him.
Valued from the box - Overall Player Ratings for Ireland Rugby Coaching staff
Andy Farrell-8
He has a place in Irish hearts to rival Jack Charlton. The goal was to win the World Cup. I don't believe for a second that he will consider any of this a success without the Webb Ellis Cup at the end. His system and coaching staff have become of the envy of teams the world over. Almost certainly nailed on for the Lions head coaching role in 2025 and is without question the man to lead Ireland over the next 4 years.
