Ireland vs New Zealand LIVE! Rugby World Cup 2023 match stream, latest score and updates today
Ireland look to reach the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup for the very first time as they take on New Zealand in a Paris blockbuster tonight. It promises to be an absolutely epic encounter at the Stade de France, as the number one-ranked team in the world take on the dangerous All Blacks, who have lifted the Webb Ellis Cup on three previous occasions.
Seven defeats is all Ireland have had to show from their seven previous World Cup quarter-final appearances, but there is a growing sense that this could well be their time. Andy Farrellâs side secured a first ever series win in New Zealand last year, and have been in superb form at this tournament as they beat South Africa and Scotland to top Pool B.
New Zealand do not quite have the same formidable aura of previous tournaments, but they have so often proved that they can deliver under the ultimate pressure. They will hope Joe Schmidt, the former Ireland head coach but now in the All Blacks camp, can help provide the inside knowledge to take down the Irish. With Argentina waiting in the last four, whoever comes out on top tonight will be big favourites to reach the final. Follow Ireland vs New Zealand live below!
Live updates
Ireland 17-18 New Zealand
50 mins: 14 phases from New Zealand after a canny Smith break, with Moâunga trying to breathe new life into this stalled attack just outside the Irish 22.
Ireland maintain their defensive discipline so well, with the ball coming loose for the turnover!
Ireland 17-18 New Zealand
49 mins: Pure frustration from Ireland loosehead Porter as heâs penalised at the scrum again.
New Zealand are looking to launch their first proper attack of this second half now they are back up to a full complement of players.
It will also be very intriguing to see who goes to their bench first between Farrell and Foster.
Ireland 17-18 New Zealand
47 mins: Dangerous Ireland are flashing their intent now as Hansen produces an excellent kick to the right flank that is almost taken in by sprinting hooker Sheehan.
But now New Zealand are back up to 15 men as Smith returns from the bin.
Ireland 17-18 New Zealand
45 mins: OâMahony vs Moâunga is not a battle I expected to be seeing in the corner after an interesting kick from Gibson-Park.
The ball goes loose and itâs touched down by New Zealand hands behind their own line, leading to an All Black scrum.
Ireland 17-18 New Zealand
43 mins: A kicking battle ensues early in the second half, before Ireland look to open it up down the right flank and make the most of their numerical advantage.
Hansen puts boot to ball and ends up producing an excellent 50:22, giving them a lineout opportunity just inside the All Black 22.
Sheehanâs latest throw is claimed by green hands and Ireland are in business…
Ireland 17-18 New Zealand
Back underway in Paris!
This is all set up for an absolutely epic second half at the Stade de France.
No changes from either side at the break, with Smith still having six minutes to serve in the bin.
Ireland 17-18 New Zealand
Half-time
And breathe!
Wow… what a game.
End-to-end stuff between two brilliant teams – the physicality is off the scale.
What a second half we have in store. So perfectly poised.
TRY! Ireland 17-18 New Zealand | Jamison Gibson-Park 39′
39 mins: This is truly end-to-end stuff in Paris! Absolutely thrilling… as we all knew it would be.
Much better at the lineout at last from Ireland, who get their rolling maul working after Savea comes around the ruck illegally to try and pick up the ball.
Sexton opts to kick for touch rather than take the points, with the Irish fans in the stands backing that decision.
And it pays off handsomely, with Auckland-born Gibson-Park selling the clever little show and go before battling through to touch down under huge pressure.
Sexton guides the resulting conversion over. Itâs a one-point game at the Stade de France!
Ireland 10-18 New Zealand
36 mins: New Zealand are down to 14 men for the next 10 minutes either side of half-time!
Smith sticks out a lazy arm to deflect a Hansen pass after great work from the Ireland wing and itâs rightly ruled as deliberate and denying a try-scoring chance.
Heâs shown a yellow card by Wayne Barnes.