All Blacks address how Rieko Ioane behaved at full time versus Ireland

The All Blacks have addressed Rieko Ioane’s heated exchange with Johnny Sexton and ear-cupping antics following the final whistle being blown in their quarter-final win over Ireland.

Sexton, who had been involved in verbal exchanges with New Zealand players during last year’s series win in New Zealand, appeared to take exception to something said by Ioane as players shook hands.

Sexton, who could be seen mouthing expletives towards the All Blacks centre, shortly after Ioane said something to the retiring Ireland captain.

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Sexton had to be held back by Jack Conan after Ioane apparently told him to “enjoy retirement” and “not to miss his flight home”. It is understood that other New Zealand players – who had made no bones about wanting revenge – had some choice words for the dejected Irish players.

Head coach Ian Foster and captain Sam Cane were asked about the exchanges and the fact that Ioane appeared to cup his ear to the Irish crowd, indicating that they were no longer singing.

“It happens on most sporting parks when tensions are high and a lot at stake,” said Foster. “Unfortunately, recently it’s also included players saying a few things to referees. Is it right for the game? I don’t know.

“It’s always been there. It’s highly competitive. You don’t hear a lot of players complaining about it.”

All Blacks captain Sam Cane, who was on the receiving end of some choice words from Peter O’Mahony last year during Ireland’s series win on NZ soil, also gave his take on it.

“It’s players’ different personalities and emotions running high in those moments. There’s always people who have different tactics but it’s always just left out there.”

It was clear that the win meant a great deal to the All Blacks, which is maybe the biggest compliment that they could pay to the Irish.

“That was the most proud All Blacks performance I’ve been part of,” said scrumhalf Aaron Smith. “The build-up, the emotion, the game, the spectacle itself. It felt like that game went on for two days, that second-half felt like forever. But it was so much fun and intensity and two teams just not giving up.

“For our boys to really control that last 10 minutes was the most proud moment. Then to defend 37 phases, stay onside, not to give them an opportunity and for one of our senior players to nail the moment was pretty special.

“Then you look at the other quarter-final, what a game as well. That’s the beauty of this World Cup. It’s been a spectacle the whole way. The French public, the stadiums, the weather. As a player you appreciate how much has gone into this tournament and to still be a part of it is such a blessing. As players it’s your opportunity to make sure you prepare and give it absolutely everything each day for when you get a chance to play.

“We are lucky enough to have another opportunity this weekend and we want to be better than we were last week.”