New Zealand reaction: 'The most disciplined, committed defensive rearguard of the modern age'
TRYSCORER: New Zealand's Leicester Fainga'anuku celebrates
The New Zealand media were gushing in their praise of the All Blacks, and of the game in general. Said the Herald's Liam Napier: "Revenge is sweet for the All Blacks as they stride one step closer to their pursuit of cathartic World Cup redemption.
The 78,000 at Stade de France – a sea of green and pockets of black - were treated to a class contest, one of the best in World Cup history, as Ireland and the All Blacks traded punch and counter punch amid a fever-pitch atmosphere that stretched well into added time.
Ian Foster’s All Blacks have endured much adversity in the last four years but surviving two yellow cards to emerge from a knife-edge knockout match ranks up there with anything else.
Finally, after 37 phases, veteran lock Sam Whitelock threw his body over the ball and earned the match-winning penalty. Every Irish player slumped to the turf in pure agony – unable to believe their reality. The exhausted All Blacks rejoiced. Such are the fine margin emotions of this arena."
His New Zealand Herald colleague Gregor Paul added: "New Zealand’s moment of truth came and it tested them to their limits, probably beyond, but from the depth of their soul they dug out the most brilliant, brave, astonishing win.
"They were everything they wanted to be. Everything they needed to be and while they produced three magical tries, it was the last four minutes that will live long in the memory when they pulled off the most disciplined, committed defensive rearguard of the modern age."
The Dominion Post's Richard Knowler said: Hell's bells, say it quietly to yourself, but these All Blacks could win the Webb Ellis Cup. After their heart-pumping, courageous 28-24 win over Ireland in the World Cup quarterfinal in Paris on Sunday morning (NZT), it became evident that this team, when it can play like this, is a machine that can crush anything in its path.
"The way the All Blacks chopped down the northern hemisphere giant, putting an end to their 17-game winning streak, must have given their supporters, who were overwhelmed by an army of Irish fans draped in green and fuelled on beer, goose bumps that will stay on their skin for hours.
"If they don’t, they must be cold-hearted souls."
Closer to him, the Telegraph's Gavin Mairs concluded: "It will be of no consolation to Andy Farrell’s side, but they did not die wondering. The last moments of the game saw Ireland put together a mesmerising and lung-burning attacking play that almost topped 40 phases. The precision of their attack and ability to recycle in the most pressurised of situations was utterly compelling, and on several occasions appeared to exploit a weak point in the All Blacks defence. Ireland kept making metres but when it came to the white heat moment, New Zealand had the experience of Sam Whitelock to win the match-winning penalty.
"It was a game so compelling and of such quality that it deserved to be the final. New Zealand’s reward is a semi-final against Argentina and they will now fancy their chances of going all the way now. One wonders if Ireland will ever get such a chance again."
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