Heartbreak AGAIN. In an extraordinary test match, it's another quarter-final exit for the Ireland rugby team.
The Ireland rugby team came within an inch of securing a semi-final place in the final minutes. It was a heroic performance but in truth, Ireland was always that bit behind New Zealand.
Ireland scored two great tries in the first half to stay with New Zealand.
Ultimately they were done by a Joe Schmidt special 1st phase strike play and by a huge breakdown performance by New Zealand.
Here's a look at the individual performances of the Ireland rugby team.
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Ireland v New Zealand Player Ratings Rugby World Cup
Ireland Rugby Player Ratings - Starting XV:
15. Hugo Keenan – 7/10
Worked his ass off for his team and his positioning play was of the highest level. Will be disappointed in his decision making was questionable at times in the attack shape.
14. Mack Hansen – 7/10
The calf held up well for 55 minutes as he put in a performance full of energy. Put in 2 great kicks in the 2nd half for a 50/22 and one that nearly got Dan Sheehan over. Lost a few aerial battles
13. Garry Ringrose – 7/10
Looked lively when he got on the ball with some lovely runs and slick passing.
12. Bundee Aki – 8/10
Had the tournament of his life. Beat 4 players for a brilliant finish for his try that sparked Ireland into life. Tried desperately to get some go-forward ball and came up with a massive penalty win in the 70th minute
It just had to be Bundee Aki ☘️#RWC2023 | #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/hEqwEExIEZ
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 14, 2023
11. James Lowe – 8/10
His best game for the Ireland rugby team at the Rugby World Cup. He worked so hard to make things happen. His passing game was outstanding all night.
10. Johnny Sexton (Capt) – 7/10
THANK YOU …… Made some brave decisions just before half-time to get his team back to within 1 point. But he struggled badly in the 2nd half and missed a bad kick at goal in the 56th minute. The brain was working but the body struggled to do what it wanted it to do.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 6/10
With the breakdown so hotly contested, he struggled to get the pace Ireland wanted to play. Got over for a great try just before half-time.
1. Andrew Porter – 7/10
Gave away 2 penalties in the opening 3minutes. Referee Barnes did his homework on his scrum tactics. Came up with a big turnover win early in 2nd half when Ireland was under huge pressure. Had to do 76 minutes – which is unbelievable for the modern game.
2. Dan Sheehan – 7/10
Had his disco feet on in the wide channels and caused New Zealand defenders issues. One poor lineout throw . Eleven Tackles/9 ball carries.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 7/10
Gave everything for the cause. His positioning in defence was very high level. Worked so hard in defence with 11 tackles.
4. Tadhg Beirne – 8/10
Is there a better breakdown player in the world at the moment? He was excellent. His ball-handling skills and lineout work were excellent under massive pressure. 17 tackles made.
5. Ian Henderson – 6/10
Got through a massive amount of work and missed a few clear-outs in general play.
6. Peter O’Mahony – 7/10
Steadied Ireland’s Lineout with some great wins before halftime. Reduced to mostly defensive duties. Lacked the impact in the wide channels when he got the opportunity.
7. Josh Van Der Flier – 7/10
The red scrum hat was everywhere on the pitch. The steal in the tackle in the 2nd half was epic Another huge and punishing performance. Surprised he was withdrawn by Farrell before the hour mark. 17 tackles
8. Caelan Doris – 8/10
Took some massive hits from the New Zealand back-row but kept working his socks off. Came up with a massive penalty win in the 30th minute . 13 tackles / 10 ball carries.
The intensity of this first 20 😮#RWC2023 | #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/tAZXaUZrXS
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 14, 2023
Ireland Rugby Player Ratings - Replacements:
16· Ronan Kelleher – 8/10
Added a big impact when he came on. Came within an inch of taking the team to the semi-final from a maul.
17· Dave Kilcoyne – 6/10
3 minutes – carried a few times in that epic last phase of play.
18· Finlay Bealham – 6/10
Lacked the impact that was needed. Poor defence for New Zealand’s strike play try.
19· Joe McCarthy – 6/10
Tried to get into the game and force his way into the game. His counter-rucking decision-making was poor.
20· Jack Conan– 7/10
Some big carries when he came on.
21· Conor Murray – 7/10
Tried to increase the pace of the game when he came on with some good passing.
23· Jimmy O’Brien – 8/10
Came on for Hansen for his debut and instantly added impact. Lively on the ball and excellent under it.
Coach– 7/10
A hugely frustrating night for the Ireland rugby coaches. Outthought by New Zealand coaches and struggled when it came to the use of the bench as the Irish players dropped. The review of the tournament will be for another day.
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