New Zealand's defensive display to beat Ireland was outstanding, setting a benchmark of discipline in a game for the ages that moved them one step closer to the World Cup final.
New Zealand’s defensive display to beat Ireland was outstanding, setting a benchmark of discipline in a game for the ages that moved them one step closer to the World Cup final.
“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… goose bumps that will stay on their skin for hours,” Richard Knowler wrote inIt may be an old adage, but ‘defence wins championships’ is one that strikes especially true in modern-day rugby union where try-scoring razzmatazz is often diluted the higher up the food chain one goes in tournament settings.
“It could have gone the other way but for us to go D for the last five minutes was pretty special,” Savea said.New Zealand, with 100 tackles made in the final 15 minutes, held firm and bided their time, 151-Test veteran Sam Whitelock eventually pouncing for the All Blacks’ 11th, and most crucial, turnover of the match.
“We are making some strides in that space and I was delighted,” Foster added. “One mistake and the game could have gone the other way. But you haven’t been to a World Cup if you haven’t had a game like that.Defence coach McLeod said that “harsh lessons” from last year’s historic home series loss to Ireland had led to a re-build of the All Black’s defensive fundamentals. He heaped praise on the team’s defensive execution and decision-making in the closing minutes.
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