Join us later for the quarter-final match between Ireland and Fiji. Unfortunately, Ireland lost the match against New Zealand with a final score of 14-12. Tonight’s match in the Stade de France starts at 9pm local Irish time, and 10pm for the lucky ones watching match in Paris.
A key moment in the last match was Ireland’s missed tackles which led to Ngarohi McGarvey-Black scoring a try, with Andrew Knewstubb successfully executing a critical drop-goal conversion under pressure. There are more men’s Sevens Quarter-Finals scheduled today at these Irish times:
8:00 – New Zealand vs. South Africa
8:30 – Argentina vs. France
9:00 – Fiji vs. Ireland
9:30 – Australia vs. USA
If the Irish team is able to bring an end to Fiji’s unbroken Olympic streak, they will advance to face the winners of Australia vs. USA in the semi-finals on Saturday.
During the previous match, team changes were made on both sides in the last two minutes with Ireland still leading by five points. Unfortunately, Ireland missed a few crucial tackles which allowed the All Blacks to catch up.
By the 4th minute, Ireland had controlled the ball for most of the time, making the All Blacks feel the pressure of the game. However, within a minute, Ireland had a penalty near the line.
Unfortunately, Ireland failed to release on the ground which resulted in New Zealand gaining possession. Despite some missed tackles from Ireland, Leroy Carter scored a try right under the post in the 1st minute of the second half.
By the break, after Roche’s conversion, Ireland was leading by 12 points. However, Jordan Conroy, who had scored a try beforehand, seemed to have injured his thigh muscle and it was unclear if he would continue in the game.
The Ward family is flying high, with Andy, their patriarch, having strong ties to both Ireland, where he was born, and Ballynahinch, Ulster, Ireland, where he relocated.
Ireland 0 New Zealand 0
In the 4th minute, nerves seem to be running high on both sides on the pitch in Paris. The All Blacks, too, are dropping the ball. AB’s penalised for not releasing in the tackle, and another kick for possession is initiated by Mark Roche.
At the 3rd minute, Hugo Keenan’s handling error proves costly as he misses a golden opportunity to score.
The game has begun in Paris
In the 1st minute, Ireland secures a penalty. Mark Roche kicks for possession, and Ireland’s lineout clicks nicely. Our first glimpse of Terry Kennedy in action is promising. Ireland secures another penalty.
As the teams stride onto the pitch, the massive crowd at Stade de France applauds Ireland warmly. The crowd is speckled with shades of green. The referee for the day is Australia’s Jordan Way.
The Ireland line-up includes Harry McNulty as captain, Mark Roche, Zac Ward, Jordan Conroy, Hugo Keenan, Terry Kennedy, and Niall Comerford with reserves including Jack Kelly, Andrew Smith, Chay Mullins, Hugo Lennox, and Gavin Mullin.
The All Blacks have Scott Curry, Akuila Rokolisoa, Dylan Collier as captain, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leo Moses, Leroy Carter, Joe Webber, including reserves such as Brady Rush, Tone Ng Shiu, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Andrew Lnewstubb, and Tepaea Cook-Savage. Jordan Way from Australia is officiating, while Ben Breakspear from Great Britain and Gianluca Gnecchi from Italy serve as Assistant referees.
Final score: South Africa 49, Japan 5. It’s now established that the victor of the game between Ireland and the All Blacks will challenge South Africa at 8:0 pm Irish time in the quarter-finals, while the defeated team will play against Fiji at 9 pm.
Line-ups will be shared shortly, with kick-off at Stade de France in just 10 minutes.
In an enthralling start to Pool A’s other clash, the Blitzboks have exhibited their prowess, scoring five tries and leading 35-0 in the first half. They are vying for one of the third-placed qualifier slots and a spot in the upcoming quarter-finals, which could potentially set up a rematch against Pool A’s champion.
Good afternoon! Viewers are welcomed to our coverage of the climactic Pool A game where Ireland squares off against New Zealand at the Stade de France. The kick-off is scheduled for 3.30pm. Despite both teams having already advanced to the quarter-finals, the stakes remain high due to the likely match-ups the next stage promises.
The victorious team from Pool A controversially faces the eighth-placed qualifier, being the lesser of the two top third-ranked pool finishers, while the second runner-up has the daunting task of challenging the formidable Fiji team. Fiji holds an unrivalled record in Sevens games, boasting back-to-back victories in the men’s Olympic games. Their latest triumph saw them defeat France 19-12 in their concluding Pool C game, further reinforcing their dominance in the tournament.
The last of the pool games, the Ireland versus New Zealand clash, will eliminate all uncertainty surrounding the quarter-final pairings. The quarter-finals will kick off from 8 pm Irish time tonight. Ireland will face off at 8 pm, if they secure the top position in Pool A, but will meet Fiji at 9 pm should they fail.
As current point leaders, the All Blacks are sitting comfortably at the top, with both teams possessing an identical points difference (+40) and try difference (+6). Ireland emerged victorious over the Springboks in their inaugural Stade de France game with a scoreline of 10-5. They followed this up with a resounding 40-5 win over Japan, clocking six tries. New Zealand, on the other hand, triumphed over Japan with a 40-12 win in their opening match before overcoming the Blitzboks 17-5.