After finishing with 19 out of a possible 20 points in Pool B, Ireland have themselves a date with destiny, as they prepare for a quarter final clash with the legendary All Blacks. Ireland's 36-14, bonus point victory over the Scots in Paris on Saturday night sealed their quarter final draw, here's all the information you need ahead of Ireland v New Zealand.
When is Ireland v New Zealand?
Ireland's World Cup quarter final is to played in the Stade de France on Saturday 14th October at 8pm (Irish Time).
How to watch Ireland v New Zealand
The match will be available on Virgin Media in Ireland and ITV in the UK. It will also be available on RTE Player and ITVX.
Virgin's broadcast will go live at 6.50pm
Who makes it all the way?#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/vVjUwCK3UZ
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 8, 2023
Who is the referee for Ireland v New Zealand?
Wayne Barnes has been appointed referee for the Ireland v New Zealand quarterfinal. Ireland fans have had a mixed relationship with Barnes over the years, with the Englishman reffing Ireland's win over France in the Six Nations, as well as the decider in Ireland's triumphant summer tour of New Zealand in 2022.
Matthew Carley and Christophe Ridley will be Barnes's assistant referees. Tom Foley will be on TMO duty.
Barnes said he's honoured to be put in charge of the occasion.
I’m honoured to have been selected to referee the #NZvIRE @rugbyworldcup quarter final.
The last time I reffed these two in 2022 it was one hell of a game. I’m sure this will be no different. https://t.co/7wLHWgCnLX— Wayne Barnes (@WayneBarnesRef) October 10, 2023
Ireland v New Zealand form guide
New Zealand qualified second in Pool A behind France, after an opening night defeat to the tournament hosts 27-13. The scoreline was slightly flattering to the French after a first 50 minutes where the All Blacks will feel they left multiple opportunities for points out there. They were simply blown away by a scintillating final half hour from Les Bleus. Since the disappointment of that opening night the All Blacks have shown their full compliment of skills with a points difference of +220 in their final three pool matches including an absolute annihilation of Italy, 96-17.
Ireland's win on Saturday night over Scotland was satisfying for Irish fans as it displayed their best attacking qualities. Conversely to the South Africa game Ireland were in full flight offensively from the off, with James Lowe's opening score coming inside 2 minutes.
Even in the second half with Peter O'Mahony, Sexton, Furlong removed from the field of play, Jamison Gibson Park played a sparkling role from the right wing in the build up to Dan Sheehan's score.
Substitute fly half, Jack Crowley, exposed a major weakness in the Scottish backfield with a sublime cross field kick. Much like at Murrayfield during the Six Nations, Ireland showed they are prepared for every outcome and roadblock that can come up in a game.
Jamison Gibson-Park the @Mastercard #POTM winner @IrishRugby | #RWC2023 | #IREvSCO | #Priceless pic.twitter.com/EMLTAoYgzQ
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 7, 2023
Team news
Ireland have named their team for Saturday as follows;
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster)
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht)
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster)
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)
10. Jonathan Sexton (Leinster)
9. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster)
1. Andrew Porter (Leinster)
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster)
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster)
5. Iain Henderson (Ulster)
6. Peter O'Mahony (Munster)
7. Josh Van der Flier (Leinster)
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster)
Replacements;
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster)
17. David Kilcoyne (Munster)
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht)
19. Joe Mccarthy (Leinster)
20. Jack Conan (Leinster)
21. Conor Murray (Munster)
22.Jack Crowley (Munster)
23. Jimmy O'Brien (Leinster)
The welcome return of James Lowe and Mack Hansen to the wings, will be a delight for Irish fans. However, James Ryan misses out with a wrist and so Joe McCarthy has received the call up for the biggest game of his young career. While Jimmy OBrien is in line to make his first appearance of the World Cup.
For the Kiwis they have had the luxury of a full squad to pick from after both Tyrel Lomax and Fletcher Newell have recovered to be part of the match day squad.
All Blacks coach, Ian Foster, had suggested that Lomax was struggling with a medial ligament problem, on the same knee he suffered a nasty cut on, in their 35-7 defeat to the Springboks at Twickenham.
Your team for the quarterfinal! 🖤#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/zqqLSMqPDk
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 12, 2023
