By defeating Ireland and France in two of the greatest games ever seen at a World Cup, and despite both being turned over at the pool stage, New Zealand and South Africa are fully deserving of the right to contest Saturday night’s final.

The feeling of emptiness after Ireland’s head-wrecking defeat to New Zealand on Saturday night went far deeper than just losing a quarter-final.

The only thing that denied Ireland’s place in the last four was the flawed structure of the tournament which has resulted in two of the best four teams heading home in advance of the semi-finals.

Our rugby analyst on the three big factors heading into Saturday's mouth-watering Ireland v New Zealand World Cup quarter-final.

Irish fans will again fill the Stade de France on Saturday night for the mouth-watering meeting with the All Blacks.

The only downside on the night was a worrying injury toll with both wingers, Mack Hansen and James Lowe, absent for the entire second half

Now is the time for Andy Farrell's side to reap the rewards of their hard work

Memories are for retirement. Lose to Scotland on Saturday night, or to New Zealand in a quarter final, and the events surrounding that Paris pool win over the Springboks will be tinged with regret

The Aussies don’t like losers and are quick to abandon non-achievers.

In the context of a World Cup, Ireland hasn't experienced a night like this since taking our first big southern hemisphere scalp at a World Cup when beating Australia on a wonderful evening at Ellis Park in Auckland back in 2011.