'Irish top pool in style to set up biggest challenge yet'.That is the biggest challenge in rugby, to beat them when they are in that frame of mind." "They have said it's the one they want, they are hurting and they want to put it right. Ireland reaffirmed their position as the world's number one team with a clinical six-try win over Scotland in Paris that confirmed Andy Farrell's side as Pool B winners.Ī mouth-watering quarter-final against New Zealand awaits.Īll Blacks full-back Beauden Barrett said he and many of his team-mates are "still hurting" after a home series loss to Ireland in 2022 and determined for revenge.Ĭaptain Johnny Sexton said: "We learned so many lessons on that tour to take with us for the Six Nations, to win a Grand Slam, to put us in this situation again, to have to play them again. Ireland set for 'biggest challenge in rugby' Ireland have never previously been beyond the last eight of a Rugby World Cup I think it's the best moment of my life."Īs for Fiji, the Pacific island nation needed only a losing bonus point from the match to qualify for the last eight and set up a quarter-final with England.īoth teams were far from their best in their final pool games (more to follow on England v Samoa later.) and will need to raise their respective levels if they are to progress beyond the last eight. "That's what we said at half-time and look at this, it is unbelievable."įlanker Nicolas Martins added: "It's incredible, I have no words. Get with your partners and say 'let's go, let's do it'. However, Rodrigo Marta's converted late score sparked celebrations akin to a team who had just won the tournament.Ĭentre Jose Lima summed up his team's victory at the end of a draining pool stage for Os Lobos: "I think it comes from the heart when you are tired, you have to think of all the stuff before. It appeared their chance of a first World Cup win may have gone when, having twice led by seven points in the second half, Portugal trailed 23-17 with the clock ticking towards 80 minutes. Portugal have gained many new friends and followers with their attacking displays in France, so it was fitting that they should wrap up the pool stage with a dramatic late try that completed a massive upset against Fiji. Portugal rewarded with first World Cup win Rugby Union Daily podcast: The big weekend review.Matt Dawson's World Cup quarter-final predictions.
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