Prince William experiences defeat
“All Blacks” win dramatic World Cup “monster game”
October 14, 2023, 11:51 p.m
In a dramatic World Cup quarter-final, New Zealand defeated world number one Ireland. Ireland’s desperate attempts to turn the game around in the final moments ended just a few meters from the goal.
The All Blacks from New Zealand stormed into the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup in France after a memorable top duel against the strong Ireland. The three-time title holder defeated the world number one in the round of the last eight after a dramatic final phase in the atmospheric Stade de France with 28:24 (18:17). New Zealand, which is in the semi-finals of a World Cup for the ninth time, will play against Argentina on October 20th for a place in the final. The curse of the Irish, however, continues. No team from the Emerald Isle has ever reached the semi-finals and has finished in the quarter-finals eight times in ten tournaments.
This also ends the successful career of Ireland’s record scorer Johnny Sexton, who announced that he would retire after the World Cup. Sexton had previously prepared for the “toughest game we’ve ever had”. And Sexton was right. The All Blacks virtually overran their opponents in the early stages. After a quick 13-0 lead, the Irish, who had previously won 17 games in a row, came back before halftime. Things remained close until the final phase, and a yellow card against New Zealand brought additional tension to the encounter. But even when outnumbered, New Zealand withstood the furious attacks of the Irish.
“The fact that we were able to defend our line for more than 30 phases in the end is enormous. What an atmosphere, what a game, what a tournament,” celebrated Sam Cane, captain of the “All Blacks”. The last desperate phases of attack all ended just short of the line. “Fantastic. We all knew it was going to be a monster game. We talked about it all week – and it was. It was a really tough fight,” enthused New Zealand coach Ian Foster.
Argentina had previously beaten Wales 29:17 (6:10) in a hard-fought game. The Los Pumas reached the semi-finals of a World Cup for the third time in Marseille in front of Prince William, patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, and his son Prince George. In the quarter-finals, hosts France and South Africa will face each other, while England will face Fiji beforehand.