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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Sport
Paul Myers

Ireland boss Farrell counts on squad experience for New Zealand last eight clash

Ireland - the world's top ranked side - will be seeking an 18th consecutive win when they take on New Zealand in the quarter-finals at the rugby union World Cup. © AFP / FRANCK FIFE

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell opted to field the same team that started the demolition of Scotland for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.

"It's the business end of the competition and when you get to those points then you draw hopefully on good experiences that you've had," said Farrell.

"We've got a very experienced group that's been through a lot and learning to deal with weeks like last week and this week is something that we've got pretty good at, so we draw on those experiences."

Scotland registered two tries late in the game at the Stade de France to lend a more flattering allure to the 36-14 result.

Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton had departed by the time of the Scotland scores.

Status

The 38-year-old appears more likely to be involved for the entire match against New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday night.

"It's all geared up towards a massive game," said Sexton who will retire at the end of the World Cup.

"It will be a massive challenge for this team, the biggest we've faced, and we're looking forward to it."

Ireland have topped the world rankings since winning a three-Test series in New Zealand in July 2022.

They have won 17 games on the trot - a sequence that brought them the 2023 European Six Nations tournament and to the verge of a semi-final.

Victory against New Zealand would make them the first Ireland side to reach the semis in the 36-year history of the World Cup.

"We don't want to be second best, we want to be first best," said Farrell.

Respect

"But we also realise what comes with that is people are chasing you down.

"You've seen that with New Zealand over the last 20 years. That's why they're so respected. Because it's hard to stay at the top.

"That's the place we want to be because if you're serious about getting better and being the team you want to be, that's the world that you've got to live in."

New Zealand - who were defending champions in 2019 - beat Ireland in the last eight in Japan.

Four years on, New Zealand go into the clash as underdogs - a status that head coach Ian Foster accepted.

"I think it's probably an Irish team on a mission," said Foster. "And it's a New Zealand team on a mission. The key is to clear your head and just play."

Challenge

Foster announced six changes to the side that started the 73-0 rout of Uruguay on 5 October in Lyon.

"We're just aware we are playing the best team in the world at the minute in a quarter-final," said New Zealand skipper Sam Cane. "We're treating it as a final because the loser goes home.

"We can draw on the fact we know the work that needs to go in," Cane added.

"We know we need to turn up with an intensity and a freedom and a willingness to be able to do that.

"We have done that in the past and I think we are in a good spot to do that again."

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