All Blacks Through To RWC Semi-Final

The All Blacks have beaten Ireland 28-24 to progress to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals against Argentina on Saturday morning, 8.00am NZT.

The All Blacks had to overcome yellow cards to halfback Aaron Smith late in the first half, and hooker Codie Taylor midway through the second half as well as defend against a 37-phase passage on attack by Ireland in the final minutes of the match. Captain Sam Cane and number eight Ardie Savea were two key defenders for the All Blacks, while first five Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett had strong attacking games. 

New Zealand: 28

Tries: Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ardie Savea, Will Jordan, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett, Penalties: Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett 2

Ireland: 24

Tries: Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson-Park, Penalty try, Conversion: Jonny Sexton, Penalty: Sexton 

The All Blacks have lost their opening match at the Rugby World Cup to host France 29-13. The All Blacks had opened the scoring with a try inside the opening minutes to wing Mark Talea, but trailed 9-8 at halftime. The second half saw the All Blacks concede multiple penalties with a final count 12-4 , and had Will Jordan sin-binned for a challenge in the air. Captain Sam Cane was scratched before the game due to a back injury, and this saw Tupou Vaa’i came in at blindside flanker, Dalton Papalii switch to the openside, and Brodie Retallick come into the reserves.

Tasman flanker Ethan Blackadder has been called into the squad as injury cover, and has replaced winger Emoni Narawa who is returning home with a back injury

New Zealand: 13 

Tries: Mark Telea 2, Penalty: Richie Mo'unga pen). HT: 9-8

France: 29 

Tries: Damian Penaud, Melvyn Jaminet tries; Thomas Ramos con, 5 pen)