Ireland v New Zealand - Three key contests

Ireland v New Zealand - Three key contests

The second of this weekend's four quarter-finals sees world number one-ranked Ireland - who are appearing in their eighth RWC quarter-final but have never progressed to a semi-final - against three-time champions New Zealand, who have only once - in 2007 - failed to reach the last four in nine previous tournaments.

The battle for quick ball at the breakdown will be pivotal to both sides' chances of progress, with number eights Caelan Doris and Ardie Savea key figures in that particular contest, as well as getting their sides on the front foot with ball in hand.

Half-back magicians

Both sides have scrum-halves of the highest class when it comes to using possession swiftly and wisely. Jamison Gibson-Park has been instrumental in Ireland's development in recent years, the speed and width of his passing adding a new dimension to their attack.

Aaron Smith, 34, was a World Cup winner in 2015 and is playing in his third tournament. Saturday will be his 123rd test for the All Blacks and he will be looking to add to his collection of 28 test tries, three of which have come in this tournament.


There are plenty of finishers of the highest calibre in both teams, with New Zealand-born James Lowe a key weapon for the Irish in both attack and defence, where his siege-gun left boot gains them plenty of territory.

Will Jordan is the latest in a long line of devastating All Blacks wings, having scored 27 tries in 28 tests to date, including four in this tournament - the same tally as fellow wing Leicester Fainga'anuku.


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