Ireland fell at a familiar fence at the World Cup again, going out 28-24 to New Zealand.
They will feel they didn't do themselves justice and time and again, fell foul to All Black sucker punches.
Here's how we rated the team.
Hugo Keenan – 7
Unlucky not to break the line a couple of times but came up against an incredibly disciplined All Blacks defence. Ran all day and carried well even after suffering a nasty looking facial injury. Was Ireland's top-carrier with 17.
Mack Hansen – 7
A constant threat on the wing, making ground and space even when he appeared to have nowhere to go. Was obviously playing through the pain. Got a clever 50:22 in as well. Left everything out there before retiring injured on 56 minutes.
Garry Ringrose – 7
Did absolutely nothing wrong and was accurate with the ball. Carried for 56 metres. Just one of the players whose minutes played throughout the tournament probably caught up with them at the end.
Bundee Aki – 8
Best Ireland player on the day, and of the tournament. Beat seven defenders and ran 169m with the ball, blasted past three to score the try that got his side back in the game. Incredible stamina.
James Lowe – 7
Always willing, was able to hold on and recycle throughout the game. Took a mark kick very quickly and it ultimately led to the first New Zealand try. Tackled strongly.
Johnny Sexton – 7
Decent performance in his last game as a professional. Incredible work-rate on both sides of the ball and sidestepped two players to set up the penalty try. Poor execution with a chip kick as Ireland chased. Missed a straightforward kick in the second half.
Jamison Gibson-Park – 6
Like the rest of the team, just slightly off it. Took his try superbly and made a huge hit on Ardie Savea that saved a likely try in the first half.
Andrew Porter – 5
Gave away a host of penalties in the loose and at scrum-time. Never gave up but will have regrets.
Dan Sheehan – 6
After Ireland won 12/12 lineouts against Scotland, old weakness appeared and the All Blacks took advantage. Played well on the ball in the loose but well marshalled. Just inches away from collecting a kick that would have resulted in a try. Chipped in with 10 tackles.
Tadhg Furlong – 6
Ireland needed a big showing from one of their main men but it didn’t materialise. Made 11 tackles over his 52 minutes. Scrum under pressure all day. Unlikely he’s fully fit.
Tadhg Beirne – 7
Claimed four lineouts but overshadowed at the breakdown by the New Zealand forwards. Penalised a couple of times by Wayne Barnes, including one for obstruction at the end for Barrett’s last kick. Was jointed top-tackler on the Irish side with 17.
Iain Henderson – 7
Made a couple of big hits on big men and had a 100% tackle success rate. Got himself isolated after Porter’s rip had put Ireland on the front foot, allowing an easy get-out for New Zealand. Withdrawn after an hour of hard work.
Peter O'Mahony – 6
Subdued outing by the combative flanker, who made 15 tackles. Part of a forward unit that was edged out in most areas by the opposition pack.
Josh van der Flier – 6
Alongside Sheehan, caught out by Richie Mo’unga for Will Jordan’s try. Ran into trouble for an early turnover. Was game throughout but was outplayed by the New Zealand back row. Joint top tackler.
Caelan Doris – 6
Was prominent in Ireland’s last three wins over New Zealand but didn’t hit his straps. Incredibly rare basic error when fumbling a drop out as the game entered its crucial phase. Got turned over once but did come up with a big jackal penalty.
REPLACEMENTS
Rónan Kelleher (for Sheehan 64) – 6
Held up over the line at the end by Jordie Barrett. Crucial moment.
Finlay Bealham (for Furlong 52) – 6
Solid in defence but scrum struggled throughout.
Joe McCarthy (for Henderson 59) – 6
Carried gamely when he came on
Jack Conan (for Van der Flier 59) – 6
Tried to get involved but not up to his usual standard after a lay-off.
Conor Murray (for Gibson-Park 61) – 6
Passed well and tried hard.
Jimmy O'Brien (for Hansen 56) – 7
Injected pace and energy when he came on. Solid under high balls, best of the replacements.
Dave Kilcoyne (for Porter 76)
Not on long enough to be rated
Jack Crowley (not used)
