All Blacks Reveal Haka Tactics to Unsettle Ireland Ahead of World Cup Clash
Paris, France | 22 October 2023
In a captivating display of rugby rivalry, the All Blacks have lifted the lid on their pre-match tactics against Ireland in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. Fullback Beauden Barrett provided a glimpse into the emotional intensity that fueled New Zealand’s 25-24 victory over the Irish at the Stade de France.
Barrett revealed that the haka, the iconic Māori war dance, was used to deliberately “intimidate Ireland’s key players, including fly-half Johnny Sexton and flanker Peter O’Mahony.” “Looking across at the opponent during the haka, you get memories, flashbacks,” Barrett explained. “We had a point to prove.”
“Johnny [Sexton], Peter O’Mahony… typically guys with targets on their heads,” Barrett said, highlighting the Irish players the All Blacks had specifically in their sights.
The quarter-final clash came after Ireland had secured a historic 2-1 series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand the previous year. This added extra fire to the rivalry, with the All Blacks determined to extract retribution.
The match itself was a gripping affair, with the All Blacks drawing first blood through a Rieko Ioane try after a brilliant Beauden Barrett chip-and-chase. However, Ireland soon hit back with scores from Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park, former Kiwi players, putting the pressure back on the All Blacks.
In the final moments, it was younger Barrett brother Jordie who made the crucial intervention, producing a miraculous one-on-one tackle to prevent Ireland from taking the lead. “The truth is if Jordie doesn’t hold that up, we go home,” admitted captain Sam Cane.
The All Blacks’ victory over the in-form Irish side underscored their resilience and ability to rise to the big occasion. As the Rugby World Cup reaches its climax, the rivalry between these two giants of the game promises to be a tantalizing storyline.
🔗 Source
