A first-ever World Cup semi-final beckons Ireland, but up next for them is almost a Mt. Everest equivalent – a Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.
The All Blacks would be forgiven for being surprised at their opponents, as they would have been expecting to face Japan or Ireland. The All Blacks topped Pool ‘B’ with three straight wins, before their final league match against Italy was suspended because of Typhoon. Their wins have been completely comprehensive, including a very comfortably 23-13 win over South Africa. Canada and Namibia were also brushed away easily conceding just nine points in total while scoring in excess of 60. New Zealand will however be wary that they have lost to Ireland in their most recent fixture. Although they have lost only twice to their opponents, both those losses have come in their last three H2H fixtures.
That should give some confidence to Ireland, who have surprised Scotland in their very first fixture of the tournament to make their mark. Even their 19-12 loss to Japan was a close fixture. However, in none of their matches this tournament the Irish have been brilliant. To make matters worse, their top player Bundee Aki is set to miss the match after picking up a red card against Samoa. They will be spurred by the fact that the All Blacks haven’t really performed at the top level since the first game win over South Africa. Regardless, this is going to be a very tough fixture for Ireland who might not have the tools to down the All Blacks once again.
New Zealand will be keen to brush aside the Ireland side, who have been their bogey side in recent times. Two losses in their last three matches mean the All Blacks also have something to take revenge for. Incidentally, New Zealand do not generally lose twice in row to the same side. They bounce back with vengeance and that has been the case against Australia, South Africa and France. The same fate could be awaiting Ireland in this quarter-final.