Ireland defeated New Zealand 36-14 at the Stade de France to clinch the top spot of Pool B and thus, set up a quarter-final clash against New Zealand at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The Irish men were able to secure the victory via six tries through wing James Lowe, full-back Hugo Keenan, second-row Iain Henderson, hooker Dan Sheehan and center Garry Ringrose ensured that Ireland will face New Zealand in the quarter-finals in Paris next Saturday, looking to book a semi-final place for the first time in the nation’s history.
Ireland got up to a flying start just over a minute into the game after their first attacking movement through Garry Ringrose who spotted a lock lumbering in a wide channel, with Grant Gilchrist beaten on the inside. Ringrose found Mack Hansen, who tipped on to James Lowe.
Scotland tried to even things through various attempts to score a try but were repelled and pushed back by the swell of the irrepressible Irish defensive tide.
Although Scotland kept pushing for the leveler, it was Ireland who got the second of the game through a set piece strike executed seamlessly, Sexton putting Aki through a half-hole before Ringrose gave Hugo Keenan a canter home. It wasn’t long before the Irish men got their third when Iain Henderson extended their lead from close range.
Things went from bad to worse for the Scottish side when Ollie Smith was sent off to the sin bin and Ireland capitalized on the numerical advantage to score the fourth try, putting more daylight between both teams.
Ireland went on to score the fifth and sixth of the game before Ewan Ashman who came on as a substitute got Scotland’s first try. Ali Price scored a magnificent second for Scotland to ensure a respectful scoreline. However, the damage had already been done and Scotland crashed out at the pool stage.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend, while speaking after the game, took full responsibility for the loss. “We’ve never beaten a team ranked above us in any World Cup we’ve played in, so you may have to go all the way back to 1987 to ask can we do better, and we certainly have to do better, and the responsibility is mine,” he said.
