Ireland Challenges World Cup Ghost Against New Zealand in Anticipated Quarterfinals

Six Nations champions, Ireland, are setting sights on ending their seemingly incessant World Cup knockout stage curse as they prepare for their highly-anticipated quarterfinal match against the formidable New Zealand. The teams clash at the Stade de France this coming Saturday.

The Irish team has had a formidable run, riding a 17-match winning streak, including an impressive triumph over defending champions South Africa in the pool stage. However, all this would be inconsequential if they fall short against the All Blacks, a hurdle that previous Irish teams have consistently failed to surmount in World Cup fixtures.

Steadfast on rewriting history, Ireland’s number eight, Caelan Doris, shares an affirming sentiment rampant in the team, "We said at the start of the competition, we want to go the whole way. We think we have the squad to do it.”

Contrarily, New Zealand, standing as perennial title contenders, have often breezed into the semifinals and have claimed the Webb Ellis Cup three times in the past. However, their recent form, including losing a home test series to Ireland and a tournament-opening defeat against the French hosts, has sparked concerns amongst their supporters. Having lost five of their last eight fixtures against the Irish, The All Blacks have been forced to reevaluate their tactics.

However, with a fully fresh squad since sweeping the Rugby Championship, coach Ian Foster is optimistic. The team misses Mark Telea, benched for disciplinary reasons, but is banking on the striking performances of Richie Mo'unga and Barrett brothers Jordie and Beauden. The team is largely relying on the performance of their dominant forward, Ardie Savea.

Ireland’s arsenal includes a robust roster with an indomitable defence led by the trio of Doris, Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony. A clinical backline, directed by seasoned fly-half, Johnny Sexton, offers a breadth of scoring options, which the Irish will look to capitalise on as they did during their last fixture against New Zealand in 2019.

As the Ireland team prepares for the critical face-off, hooker Dan Sheehan summarises the teams’ anticipation, “It's a completely new squad, our mindset is different... It's knockout rugby.”