Ireland enter the knock-out stages of the Rugby world cup, looking to break the glass ceiling.
The most intriguing game of the 2023 Rugby world cup sees the World number one ranked team against the most successful team.
Ireland are currently ranked number one in the world, with three-time world champions New Zealand ranked third.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has kept faith with the starting team that convincingly beat Scotland last week.
The only two changes to the match-day team are on the bench; Joe McCarthy replacing the injured second row James Ryan, and Jimmy O’Brien coming in for Stuart McCloskey.
New Zealand, meanwhile, after losing in the pool phase for the first time, won’t want their tournament to end at this stage for just the second time in their history. The first and, so far, only time? At RWC 2007, hosted by France.
Eight teams remain.#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/XBLv82QLjy
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 12, 2023
New Zealand have former Irish head coach Joe Schmidt in their backroom team. The highly regarded Schmidt has the insight on the Irish team.
“They have probably levelled up a bit in their attack, with Joe and a couple of the other coaches” explained Garry Ringrose.
“From my own experience, and knowing the quality of coaching he delivers, they have definitely improved, their ability to take on the line, some of the tight shapes they run, their kicking games”.
“These are things New Zealand have always been good at but the past four games have definitely reinforced that” added Ringrose.
Key Talking Point
Ireland have never advanced past the quarter-final of the World cup. After falling down at this stage in seven previous attempts, beating the All Blacks in Saint-Denis, would be a serious statement.
The game may very well hinge on Caelan Doris v Ardie Savea. Two of the best number eights in rugby today on opposite teams in a winner-takes-all match?
However, if Ireland fail, then this would be Johnny Sexton’s final game. Sexton still has records to break.
Including his three tests for the British and Irish Lions, this will be his 18th match against the All Blacks, meaning he will overtake Alun Wyn Jones (17) for the number of tests by any Northern Hemisphere player against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, if he comes off the bench for his 18th Rugby World Cup outing, Conor Murray will overtake Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell’s joint record of tournament matches for Ireland.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (captain), Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Jimmy O’Brien
New Zealand: Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Leicester Fainga'anuku; Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax; Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett; Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane (captain), Ardie Savea
Replacements: Dane Coles, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Samuel Whitelock, Dalton Papali'i, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England).
Ireland v New Zealand
Stade de France (80,023)
Saturday October 14, Kick-Off: 21:00 (8pm Irish time)
