Back 
Opinion
6 days ago International Rugby Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year
The decision by Ineos to renege on a lucrative six-year deal was looking like having a catastrophic impact on NZRU's finances
Gregor Paul
02 Apr 2025, 16:03
It was a dumb decision to kick the while Cheslin was running to charge down the kick.
So with 3 minutes to go, NZ 4 points ahead, and the ABs in possession at a ruck a few metres inside the Irish half, the NZ halfback decides now is the time to give the ball back to Ireland - to give the opponent one last crack.
The low-percentage box kick was what Ireland were hoping for from Smith.
NZ could have retained the ball hitting up runners, passing to put pressure on the Irish defence, which in turn may even have forced the Irish to concede a penalty.
Instead, it was Ireland who held the ball for remainder of the game (deep in NZ's half), until Sam Whitelock's turnover.
Perhaps someone can explain to me the genius of Smith's decision.
Tell me why I am wrong.
The boks gonna win tonight
Well Done All Blacks
YES to Southern Hemisphere.
Well done All Blacks and Ireland. It is tough play, when one has to rely on an "impartial" ref.
Let's us respect each others teams!
But hej - I am looking forward again to a Springbok - All Black final!
I acknowledge that the best team won on the night but we no longer respect Zealand rugby like we did we will make life on the pitch he’ll for yous in the future the ref was poor ground rugby has no place in the modern game. Explain why players are allowed to go to ground in multiplayer and why Ireland were penalised in the scrum area and it was the NZ props on the ground. Early penalties hurt Ireland crazy referees
Things you love to see🫡🥝⬛️
Once again Ireland came into a world cup as No 1 and once again the QF curse could not be broken... To all the Irish fans - You'll never participate in a Rugby World Cup final you'll only watch it on the tv. Thanks for coming - at least this time you do not have to travel so far home but its still empty handed.
I look forward to Nick Bishop yet again telling us how NZ's defence is it's weakness. Those wide turnovers were gold...black gold.
AB’s were immense. Massive reply to all their critics, game plan on point, Cane was immense. Won the game with 2 yellow’s