Rugby World Cup 2023: 'Ireland will carry heavier burden without Sexton'
- Published
And so the Irish fairytale comes to an abrupt and devastating end.
Ireland had really captured the imagination at this World Cup, from the incredible supporters to the warriors on the pitch who played some of the best rugby of their lives. But now the weight on Irish shoulders of never having reached the semi-finals has gotten that bit heavier.
Unfortunately, as good as Ireland have been over the last couple of years, they didn't produce their best performance when it mattered most, and we know that only means one thing from past World Cup experiences: going home early.
I was doing the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary with former All Blacks out-half Andrew Mehrtens and he was actually hurting for Ireland even though he was ecstatic for his own country.
That shows the huge amount of praise and respect Ireland have gained for their efforts in France. But ultimately it is yet another quarter-final defeat, the eighth one in our history, and one that comes after a performance that didn't hit the mark.
They didn't play with the accuracy or ruthlessness that have become synonymous with this team under Andy Farrell. We saw those hallmarks in the pool stages but they were absent against the All Blacks, and it cost us.
New Zealand, on the other hand, were clinical. They did their homework on Ireland. They knew how to slow down the ball and were physically dominant. Ireland lost the battle in the air, whether it was through kicks or line-outs.
They were also second best in crucial areas such as the scrum and at the breakdown, while they should have inflicted more damage on New Zealand during the two times when they had 14 players on the pitch.
Despite that, they somehow found a way to push the All Blacks to the end. It shows how good Ireland are, that they managed to keep themselves in it, but that won't be much consolation to them now.
It is a massive victory for New Zealand, who were humbled by that Test series defeat by Ireland last year, and they will fancy their chances against Argentina in the semi-final.
Ireland are going home, but everyone connected with Irish rugby is immensely proud of them. They have been exceptional ambassadors for the country and have taken us on a memorable journey over the last few years.
They've deservedly held the world's number one spot and have played the kind of rugby that has been admired across the sport. They can hold their heads high as they have done the country proud.
'Cruel way for Sexton to bow out'
It felt like everyone in the stadium was devastated for Johnny Sexton at full-time. He's been a wonderful leader of this group and a first-class ambassador for Irish rugby, but sometimes even the greatest aren't given their dream send-off.
Sexton will forever cherish the special memories he created while wearing the green jersey. He has earned the respect of his opponents because he is the embodiment of the fighting spirit that is part of Ireland's identity.
He was always the ultimate competitor and has driven himself and this team to such great heights in recent years. For him to bow out with the pain etched across his face is devastating because, as he said himself, it felt like Ireland were going to come up with a late try during that 37-phase push at the end.
It seemed like Ireland were building up to the movie script finish, but it just wasn't to be. For Johnny, it is such a cruel way to hang up his boots. It won't fully sink in until he gets his flight back, gets home and empties his kit bag and puts his boots away for the final time.
It will take time, but the players must dust themselves down for another World Cup cycle under a new captain. Personally, I don't think an Irish team will ever be as brilliantly prepared for a tournament as they were for this one. The confidence really was at an all-time high.
It is difficult to envisage an Ireland team building such thrilling momentum again, but there are a lot of good young players there. While it is the end for the likes of Johnny and Keith Earls, Irish rugby is still in safe hands and they still have a Six Nations title to defend next year.
But whoever lines out for Ireland at the next World Cup will carry the heaviest burden an Irish rugby player can carry. The emphasis on Ireland's inability to win quarter-finals in the past was strong throughout this tournament. It'll be even stronger in Australia, meaning even greater pressure on the players.
Ireland fans turned out in remarkable numbers and lit up Stade de France for Ireland's matches against South Africa, Scotland and New Zealand
The real positive to come out of this World Cup was the Irish support. The Irish fans showed why we're loved the world over for our good nature and our ability to have a good time and drive a nation forward. The atmosphere for all three Stade de France matches was electric and it was special to be there to witness it.
On Saturday after the match, I went back to my hotel and had a beer and met a few Americans who had been at the last few Ireland matches.
They were saying how they've been to Super Bowls and major American sporting events but they couldn't get over the Irish support: the songs, the craic, the respect for the opposition and the appreciation for quality rugby.
That's something we can be proud of, even if sadness is the overriding emotion right now.
Tommy Bowe was speaking to BBC Sport NI's Matt Gault