Ireland suffer at the hands of a vengeful New Zealand

France await Ireland in the quarter-finals

Listen | 18:27
Ireland crashed to a 40-0 defeat to New Zealand in their Pool C match at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Brighton, England. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images
Ireland crashed to a 40-0 defeat to New Zealand in their Pool C match at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Brighton, England. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

Ireland’s green wave came crashing back down to earth after a 40-0 defeat to New Zealand in Brighton. The saving grace is that, after defeating Japan and Spain in their opening games, a quarter-final spot has still been secured. They play Six Nations foe France in Exeter next weekend.

After attending the match on Sunday, Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley pick through the talking points.

Where did it go wrong for Ireland? Did they play into New Zealand’s hands with their game plan? Will Aoife Wafer play any time at this tournament? What are their prospects for the French showdown?

Produced by John Casey.

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