This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
Published on October 17, 2019, the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals are just around the corner, with New Zealand and Ireland set to face off in a highly anticipated match.
Defending champions New Zealand will be looking to maintain their title against Ireland, who have been performing well in the tournament so far. The All Blacks will be led by Steve Hansen, who has been praising Ireland's skills, saying, "I think they're better than a one-man team but your 10's pretty important."
One of the key players for Ireland will be World Player of the Year, Johnny Sexton, who will have to be at his best to direct his team against the All Blacks. The All Blacks will be starting with Beauden Barrett at fullback and Richie Mo'unga at fly-half.
Another key player for Ireland will be their number eight, Kieran Read, who is nearing the end of his career but remains a dominant force at the back of the scrum. Read will be packing down in between Ardie Savea and Sam Cane and will be a real test for the South African-born Josh van der Flier.
Ireland's forwards coach, Simon Easterby, has said that the back row will be a good one, with lots of intrigue and mini-battles going on in the bigger war on Saturday.
However, Ireland will be missing their Kiwi-born centre, Bundee Aki, who is serving a three-match ban for a high tackle that brought his World Cup to a premature end. But Robbie Henshaw is back to fitness and will likely be partnered by Garry Ringrose.
