New Zealand are through to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after beating Ireland in Paris. -EPA
New Zealand have come out on top in an absorbing contest to beat Ireland 28-24 at the Stade de France and reach the World Cup semi-finals, as the Six Nations champions fell short once again.
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The All Blacks were ruthless as they prevailed through tries from Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ardie Savea and Will Jordan, as well as points from the tee by Richie Mo'unga and Jordie Barrett, to end Ireland's 17-Test winning streak.
Top-ranked Ireland, who have never made it past the quarter-finals at the World Cup, got on the scoreboard with tries from Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park with their other points coming from the boot of 38-year-old Johnny Sexton.
Yet they always trailed and their campaign came to a close at the end of an agonising 40-phase spell of possession.
New Zealand, gunning for a record-extending fourth title, will face Michael Cheika's Argentina for a place in the final after the Pumas beat Wales 29-17 in their last-eight clash on Saturday.
