Ireland vs New Zealand preview : Rugby World Cup 2023 Quarter Finals

Saturday 14th October, Stade De France, 8pm

By Noah Murray

After defeating Scotland 36-14 in the final game of the group stages, Ireland now look forward to taking on three time World Cup champions New Zealand in the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup.

Team News

Ireland have named an unchanged starting 15 from their victory over Scotland, the only changes in the squad coming on the bench.

James Ryan who suffered a hand injury in the Scotland game is replaced by Joe McCarthy and Jimmy O’Brien comes in for Stuart McCloskey.

Despite worry around whether Mack Hansen and James Lowe would be fit to play after both sustained injuries in the Scotland game, the duo will start against New Zealand. This provides a major boost for Ireland as the duo have been in superb form in the World Cup so far.

As of the writing of this article, New Zealand have not named their starting team for the game against Ireland. They have been boosted by reports that tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax will be available for selection.

Team Form

This has been Ireland’s best Rugby World Cup run so far to date securing 19 of 20 points available in the group stages. With wins over highly ranked sides in South Africa and Scotland, this Irish team is extremely well tested and has looked to have all the traits of potential World Cup glory.

New Zealand had a more unsure run in the group stage, finishing second to hosts France. While their only loss came to France, in the opening game of the tournament. The All Blacks were not tested again in the groups with them recording blowout wins over the likes of Namibia and Italy.

What to Watch Out For

This is the biggest game in Irish rugby history so far, win and they earn a place in the semifinals for the first time in country history.

A win will set up a last four showdown against either Wales or Argentina. Lose and they squander what looks to be their best team and chance at winning a World Cup.

While Ireland have never looked better, this is perhaps the weakest New Zealand team they have had entering a World Cup. This current side have not shown the type of quality expected from a potential World Cup winner.

Ireland have gotten the better of New Zealand in recent years. This has illustrated that the gulf in class between the two nations is not as key a factor as before. The intimidation so often associated with playing against New Zealand looks to be a thing of the past.

Predictions:

If Ireland are to be successful, how James Lowe and Mack Hansen hold up will be a big factor. If the pair continue their stellar form in the tournament so far, Ireland should be favourites to win. However, injuries they sustained in the Scotland game may prove to be problematic.

New Zealand will look to target the pair and Ireland will lose a huge part of their attacking threat.

This is one of those games you really can’t miss. A clash of two rugby greats is in store and the winner will likely go on to the final.