Lenihan: Ireland fall short in game fit for the final

Ireland came up just short in an "extraordinary" World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand, according to RTÉ Rugby analyst Donal Lenihan.

The quest to banish the last-eight hoodoo will now extend to 2028 at least as the All Blacks proved too strong at Stade de France.

The three-time world champions hit the ground running to open up a 13-0 lead and while Ireland finished the first half strong with a Jamison Gibson-Park try, New Zealand were never behind in the contest.

Andy Farrell's side desperately sought a last-gasp try, but after 37 phases, the pin was finally pulled on Ireland’s World Cup dreams.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Saturday Sport, Lenihan said it was a gripping contest between two heavyweights.

"It was an extraordinary contest," he said after the full-time whistle. "This was a game fit for the final itself," he said.

"Two outstanding teams who gave absolutely everything. We knew it would go down to the wire. For Ireland to go out on a 37-phase attack…the character they showed tonight was incredible.

"They were 13 points down after 20 minutes, and never led the game, but got it back to one point. They gave it everything they had. Unfortunately, they have come up short."