Johnny Sexton has played what is surely his final game of professional rugby, as Ireland were once again knocked out of a Rugby World Cup at the quarter-final stage.
Sexton nearly repeated his 2018 Stade de France heroics, as he lead his Irish side down the field from his own half and into New Zealand's 22, as they searched for the game winning try.
It was not to be, however, but the crowd showed their appreciation for one of the all-time greats, and he showed his appreciation for them, as he walked around the pitch with his son after the final whistle.
The TV cameras also picked up a lovely moment between father and son, as Luca looked up to Johnny and said "you're still the best dad in the world".
Touching Moment Between Johnny Sexton And Son Luca
That young man just said 'You're still the best dad' 😢
Hard luck Johnny Sexton, you and your team gave everything.#IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/LIvDHhKnSA
— Jimbo Powlerio (@JimboPowlerio) October 14, 2023
Ireland Vs New Zealand Recap
New Zealand began the game brilliantly, with Ireland struggling at the breakdown and once again having difficulty at line out time.
After some excellent defending by Ireland, and ball retention from the All Blacks, Tadhg Beirne was penalised for not rolling away and Richie Mounga kicked the points of the game.
Jordie Barrett then added a long range penalty, before Leicester Fainga'anuku finished off a clinical New Zealand counter attack as they raced into a 13-0 lead.
Ireland's player of the tournament, Bundee Aki, got Ireland back into the game with a superb finish, but the All Blacks hit back soon after with a try from Ardie Savea.
Ireland managed to finish the half the stronger of the two sides, with Jamison Gibson-Park scoring after breaking off a maul close to his opponent's line.
𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐑𝐘! 🤯
THAT'S A HUGE MOMENT!
SEVEN POINTS! YELLOW CARD!
IT'S 24-25 IN PARIS! BLOODY HELL!#IREvNZL | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/Qqz4Ytkmbx
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 14, 2023
READ HERE: Brian O'Driscoll Says Johnny Sexton Will Hold Huge Regrets Over Parts Of New Zealand Loss
The second-half was a classic as Ireland applied huge pressure early on, but were unable to find any points despite dominating the opening quarter of the second 40.
A first-phase stunner from New Zealand, off a line out, saw them restore their eight point lead, with the prolific Will Jordan sliding over.
Ireland hit back soon after, and were awarded a penalty try after their maul was brought down. Codie Taylor was also sin binned for this action.
A Jordie Barrett penalty made it 28-24, leaving Ireland in need of more than a single penalty to take the lead.
Then came the biggest moment of the game. Ireland looked like they had snatched the lead from another maul, but Jordie Barrett had miraculously managed to hold up Rónan Kelleher.
Sam Whitelock won the game winning turnover for his side, after Ireland's last gasp foray into the New Zealand 22.
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤.
Ireland play through 37 phases searching for a match-winning try but concede a penalty with the clock in the red.
Eight quarter-finals. Eight defeats.#IREvNZL | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/nki8HgWXRK
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 14, 2023
Johnny Sexton Plays His Final Game For Ireland
After the match, a tearful Sexton was magnanimous in defeat, with high praise for New Zealand's performance, his teammates and the fans.
I'm very proud of the boys, the nation, we couldn't have done any more, it's just fine margins.
They sucker-punched us on a few tries and that's what champion teams do. We knew they were a great side and we fell just short unfortunately.
It's been amazing. This six weeks has been a dream - this group, these fans and I'm just gutted we couldn't do it for them.
You've got to work hard for fairytale endings and we didn't get it but that's life. We left no stone unturned, we ticked every box, trained the house down, and played pretty well tonight.
But fair play to the All Blacks.
The win sees New Zealand pitted against Argentina in next week's semi-final, with Ireland having to wait until the first game of the 2024 year's Six Nations for their next fixture.
It will see them return to France, where they will play in the Stade Velodrome on February 2.
SEE ALSO: Chilling Moment As Ireland Pay Tribute To Anthony Foley During New Zealand Haka
