All Blacks beat surprising Ireland to face Pumas in Rugby World Cup semi-final

Rugby World Cup definitions stage. New Zealand and Ireland, two of the big favorites, faced off in a high-intensity match to try to enter the top four teams at France 2023. A few hours earlier, The Pumas created a surprise by eliminating Wales in a very good game . Finally, heThe All Blacks beat Trebol 28-24 and are looking for their fourth star.

Paris experienced a match that could have perfectly been a duel for the title. Actually, It is not for nothing that it was an anticipated final between the number one in the world rankings and the most traditional team in history, which is also the most successful in the competition. (three titles, like South Africa).

The weight of history against a powerful present. So much so that the Europeans, led by Jonathan Sexton, had won their last five matches against the Oceanian team. . During this time, the data served a precedent, since Ireland had never managed to go beyond the quarter-finals. This time there was no opportunity either.

The match was a display of power and physical strength from two of the most imposing teams in the world. The spectators at the Stade de France witnessed a real spectacle.

New Zealand struck the first blow thanks to penalties from Richie Mo’unga and Jordie Barret. Leicester Fainga’anuku scored a good try and Mo’unga made no mistake with the conversion. Surprising 13-0 in favor of the All Blacks.

However, Clover’s response was not long in coming. First, Johnny Sexton’s eternal discount appeared on a penalty. Then came a sequence typical of the best team in the world. Bundee Aki closed out an excellent offensive build with good footwork. He made two tackles and scored a good try. Sexton converted again and added another color to the game. 13-10 for the New Zealanders.

But the match went back to back. The All Blacks surprised with a linemaul, changed the trajectory of the attack and Ardie Savea widened the difference. The response came instantly. Jamison Gibson-Park attacked after a maul and came strong against rival tackles. Sexton completed the action with seven and created uncertainty. A great match which continued until halftime 18-17 in favor of the Oceanic team.

The second half was just as close. The match started in the middle zone. Only Mo’unga, who was beginning to establish himself as one of the figures, managed to break the Irish defense. The flyhalf broke through the defense and delivered the try to Will Jordan on a tackle. Barrett, meanwhile, converted again.

Ireland kept trying, but the New Zealand defense was insurmountable. However, the reduction came in the least expected way. Codie Taylor receives a yellow card for breaking up the maul and Trebol automatically adds seven points. The All Blacks, winning 25-24, had to spend ten minutes with a man less. A breathtaking final, but a penalty ended up sealing the result in favor of the Oceanians, 28-24.

In the semi-final, New Zealand must face the Pumas. On October 20, still in Saint Denis, the All Blacks will face Argentina for a place in the World Cup final.