Epic struggle was just more than a little personal for mighty All Blacks

There was a steeliness about them as they spoke to the media two days out from this game that was evident in the way they tackled, attacked the breakdown and clinically finished their try-scoring opportunities.

BLACK IS THE COLOUR: Jordie Barrett of New Zealand is tackled by Garry Ringrose and Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland. Pic: Justin Setterfield - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

It will probably be of little comfort for Ireland’s rugby supporters to be assured that the All Blacks had to dig as deep as they ever have to win Saturday night’s quarter-final and condemn the Irish to yet more World Cup disappointment.

The All Blacks knew they had to go to their limits to beat the world’s No.1 side and they did that and probably a little more as they attacked with intelligence and skill and, when Ireland refused to go away, were forced to defend the final assault of 37 phases.