Quarter-Final 2: The Standout Performers
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The luck of the Irish once again ran out at the qaurter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup. With the world's number one team now, out of the tournament, all challengers will fancy their chances. However tonight we bring you the standout performers from New Zealands 24-28 victory over Ireland.
Leicester Fainga'anuku
With Mark Telea dropped from the matchday squad, Fainga’anuku replaced Telea and he fit right into the squad like a glove. Gaining six times the amount of metres (36) of six carries, Fainga'anuku also beat 2 defenders in the process breaking the line once. Not one to slouch on defense either, Fainga'anuku made a total of 11 tackles while winning one turning over. Perhaps his most vital contribution was scoring the opening try in the 18th minute, before being taken off in the 63rd minute.
Richie Mo’Unga
Another world class battle between Mo’Unga and Sexton at the pivot role. Mo’Unga proved to be a step above his Irish counterpart on the day, gaining 85 metres from just six carries, while completing a total of 21 passes. His dominant display at fly-half also saw him beat two defenders, with one line break.
Ardie Savea
What more can be said about the talented and diverse All Blacks eighthman. The younger Savea brother was at his finest tonight in a match that even saw him make a box kick from inside his own 5m line. Off an astonishing 15 carries, Savea made and even more impressive 46 metres in beating four defenders. The dominance saw the kiwi complete two line breaks, while remaining a brute force on defense with 17 made tackles. Savea topped off his performance with a try in the game.
Special Mention: Sam Cane
The All Blacks skipper rose to the occasion with big hits on the defensive end, making more than any Kiwi on the day with 21. Six carries saw him make 12 metres, and completing two passes.
Josh van der Flier
The Irish flanker was unfortunate to be on the losing end of the result tonight, however that loss did not stop him from being one of the top performers of the night. The flanker proved skilful with his hands completing 10 passes while making 8 carries, making 24 metres in total. Out of a total of 20 tackles, van der flier only missed three having played 59 minutes before being replaced.
Jamison Gibson-Park
The Scrumhalf played his heart out for the men in green and left it all out there on the day. Gibson-Park was present at every breakdown, completing 77 passes, three tackles while gaining 20 metres in real estate.
