The Battle Down Under: Ireland vs. New Zealand – Rugby World Cup 2023 Quarter-Final Preview

Rugby World Cup 2023 Quarter-Final Preview: Ireland v New Zealand

The Anticipated Clash

The Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final between Ireland and New Zealand is undoubtedly the most anticipated match of the tournament. It is a clash between the number one-ranked team in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, Ireland, and the three-time champions, New Zealand. The stakes are high, as both teams vie for a place in the semi-finals.

Team Lineups

Ireland‘s head coach, Andy Farrell, has decided to stick with the same starting team that convincingly defeated Scotland in their previous match. However, there are two changes on the bench, with Joe McCarthy coming in for the injured James Ryan and Jimmy O’Brien replacing Stuart McCloskey.

New Zealand, on the other hand, is determined not to exit the tournament at this stage, especially after experiencing a pool phase loss for the first time. They have only been eliminated at this stage once before, in the 2007 World Cup.

A History of Encounters

Ireland has had the upper hand in recent meetings between the two sides, winning five out of the last eight matches. Their most notable victory came in November 2016, when they defeated New Zealand 40-29 in Chicago. However, when it comes to Rugby World Cup clashes, New Zealand has dominated. In their last encounter in the quarter-finals four years ago, the All Blacks emerged victorious with a resounding 46-14 win, putting an end to Joe Schmidt’s era as Ireland‘s head coach.

Will Ireland Break the Quarter-Final Hoodoo?

The key point of discussion surrounding this match is whether Ireland can finally break their quarter-final curse. They have fallen short at this stage in their previous seven attempts, and all eyes will be on them as they face New Zealand in Saint-Denis. This match represents a significant opportunity for Ireland to prove themselves on the world stage and secure a semi-final spot for the first time.

Player Matchup to Watch

One of the most exciting player matchups in this quarter-final is the battle between Caelan Doris of Ireland and Ardie Savea of New Zealand. Both players are exceptional ball carriers and will play a crucial role in their respective teams’ strategies. It is a clash between two of the best number eights in rugby, and fans can expect a thrilling contest.

Remarkable Records and Referee

Johnny Sexton, who will retire after the Rugby World Cup, has the opportunity to break records in this match. This will be his 18th encounter against New Zealand, surpassing Alun Wyn Jones as the Northern Hemisphere player with the most tests against the All Blacks. Additionally, if Conor Murray comes off the bench for his 18th Rugby World Cup appearance, he will surpass the joint record held by Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell for the most tournament matches for Ireland.

The referee for this clash will be Wayne Barnes from England. Barnes has been involved in historic matches between Ireland and New Zealand, including their series decider in Wellington in 2022 and Ireland‘s first-ever victory against the All Blacks in Dublin in 2018.

Editorial Conclusion

The quarter-final clash between Ireland and New Zealand promises to be a spectacular match, filled with intensity and skill. Both sides have their motivations, with Ireland aiming to break their quarter-final curse, and New Zealand seeking to avoid an early exit. The outcome of this encounter will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the tournament and the future of both teams. Rugby fans around the world eagerly await this showdown to witness a clash of two rugby powerhouses.

Advice for Fantasy Rugby World Cup

For those participating in the Fantasy Rugby World Cup, it would be wise to pay attention to the performance of Caelan Doris and Ardie Savea. These two influential players are likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the match. Additionally, keeping an eye on the records being chased by Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray adds an extra layer of excitement to this already thrilling clash.