Player ratings: Aki battles hard as Ireland outplayed

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