IRE 24-28 NZL: New Zealand edge Ireland in classic to book Argentina semi-final

New Zealand beat Ireland in the second quarter-final of Rugby World Cup 2023 at Stade de France to progress to a semi-final against Argentina.

New Zealand saw off a late siege to triumph 28-24 as Ireland suffered an eighth Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat at Stade de France on Saturday.

Leicester Fainga’anuku’s try helped the All Blacks race into a 13-0 lead before centre Bundee Aki danced his way over for Ireland. Ardie Savea responded but Jamison Gibson-Park’s try, with Aaron Smith in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, saw their lead cut to 18-17 at half-time.

Will Jordan bagged his fifth try of the tournament but a penalty try, with hooker Codie Taylor also getting a yellow card, saw Ireland again get within one point.

Centre Jordie Barrett then kicked a penalty before New Zealand held on in the closing minutes despite 37 phases of Irish attacks to set up a semi-final with Argentina at Stade de France on Friday, 20 October.

More to follow.