New Zealand end Sexton's career with more World Cup woe for Ireland

Three-time champions New Zealand inflicted more World Cup heartbreak on Ireland on Saturday, beating them 28-24 to bring a bitterly disappointing end to Irish captain Johnny Sexton's stellar career.

The All Blacks avenged a historic home series defeat at the hands of Ireland last year, taking their chances when they had them in clinical fashion at the Stade de France.

The defeat ended Ireland's run of 17 successive Test victories and denied Andy Farrell's team the chance of a first-ever semi-final.

The All Blacks turned on the pressure early on, pounding away at the Irish line, and it told as referee Wayne Barnes awarded them a penalty -- Richie Mo'unga slotted it over for 3-0.

The All Blacks moved into a 6-0 lead near the quarter-hour mark as Jordie Barrett landed a superb long-range penalty from just inside the Irish half.

Ireland did pierce the New Zealand defence on a couple of occasions, but their discipline let them down, and it was their opponents who were turning their chances into points.

They moved into a 13-0 lead after a superb move resulted in Leicester Fainga'anuku -- who was only in the lineup due to Mark Telea's breaking of team protocol -- touching down.

There was a hint of a forward pass from Rieko Ioane, but the try stood and had the New Zealand coaching team out of their seats, punching the air in ecstasy.

Mo'unga converted from the left touchline.

The Irish needed something, and sensibly Sexton, when offered the chance, took the points, converting a penalty for 13-3 in the 23rd minute.

Sexton and Barnes had an exchange when Mo'unga's high tackle on Bundee Aki was judged OK -- the latter was to hit back in the best way possible.

The Irish were right back in the game as the clock ticked towards the half-hour