'Battle-hardened' Ireland Ready For New Zealand Challenge
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published October 14, 2019 | 08:50 AM
Oita, Japan, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2019 ) :Beating New Zealand twice in their past three duels has given Ireland a sense of confidence going into their Rugby World Cup quarter-final next weekend.
The Irish are also heartened by their 47-5 win over Samoa in Fukuoka on Saturday, while the All Blacks had to sit out the weekend after their match against Italy in Toyota City was cancelled because of Typhoon Hagibis.
"New Zealand will be fresh, we'll be battle-hardened," declared Andrew Conway, who went on as a replacement against Samoa and scored their final try.
Japan's 28-21 win over Scotland on Sunday ensured they finish top of Pool A and earned a quarter-final against South Africa, while runners-up Ireland will play the three-time defending champions.
After 111 years without success against the All Blacks, Ireland broke through three years ago with a 40-29 victory in Chicago, wiping out the New Zealanders' aura of invincibility and backing up with a 16-9 win in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks head into their first knockout match on a quest to win a third consecutive World Cup, while Ireland want to get past the quarter-finals for the first time in nine attempts.
A negative for the All Blacks' preparation is that since beating the Springboks at the start of the tournament, they will have gone 28 days without stern opposition having had easy runs against minnows Canada and Namibia before their Italy game was called off.
Ireland, who beat Scotland and Russia but lost to Japan, had the benefit of fine-tuning their game in Saturday's seven-try romp against Samoa.
Coach Joe Schmidt said it wasn't a complete performance but it showed his side was building nicely.
"You've got to be at your very best to have a chance," said the New Zealander, adding that the recovery of his forwards would be key.
"It was enough work that we got through that will stand for us hopefully," he said.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Traffic Police launch cracks down on tinted glasses
Condolence reference held in memory of FBR's officials
Court aims to wrap Trump jury selection ahead of opening arguments
Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce, Jam Saifullah Dharejo for improving ..
Croatia top court bars president from becoming next PM
Pakistan all set to face New Zealand tomorrow
Abdullahpur-Jhumra road flyover to be ready shortly: FDA
Water level in dams risen from recent rains to improve underground water level: ..
Study suggests standardized packing, labeling health warning, taxes imposition o ..
Superstar Muhammad Ali remembered on 93rd birth anniversary
Health activists ring alarm bells over 10-stick cigarette pack
DC Matiari chairs emergency meeting to prevent measles epidemic
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
9 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago