"Horrible way to end" - Five Ireland players who struggled against the All Blacks

Leicester Fainga'anuku opened the scoring with a try, propelling the All Blacks to a 13-0 lead. However, Ireland fought back when center Bundee Aki displayed remarkable footwork to cross the try line. Ardie Savea responded with another try, but Jamison Gibson-Park's try, while Aaron Smith was in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, narrowed New Zealand's lead to 18-17 at halftime.

Will Jordan notched his fifth try of the tournament, but a penalty try, coupled with hooker Codie Taylor receiving a yellow card, once again brought Ireland within one point.

Center Jordie Barrett then sealed the win with a crucial penalty kick. New Zealand successfully defended their lead in the final minutes, withstanding 37 phases of Irish attacks. This victory sets up a semi-final showdown with Argentina at Stade de France on Friday, October 20.

Now, let's spotlight five players who have been subject to criticism from various sports publications' player ratings.

Rugby Pass 3.5: "Lowe had one of his worst performances in an Irish jersey. Lowe dropped the ball behind him and over the sideline with his first touch, and this practically summed up the wing’s off night at Stade de France. Lowe wasn’t just off, he was ineffective in practically all facets of the game."

Sunday World 5/10: "Was never a game where he could bring his trusty left boot into play, Lowe kept on looking for work but this was a game where his considerable attacking talents ultimately had little bearing on the outcome."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "he scrum-half caught Will Jordan in two minds as he sliced through the All Blacks’ defence for the score. But overall, it was a frustrating night for Gibson-Park with the halfback making some telling errors after the break."

Sunday World 5/10: "The breakdown was making it a difficult night for the Irish scrum-half but he took matters into his own hands when scoring off a show and go from close range. Heart will have been in his mouth on Aaron Smith intercept."

Sunday World 5/10: "Turned over when smashed by Sam Cane, a penalty that led to three All Black points, but came up with a huge poach on the half hour mark when Ireland were on their heels. Crucial late knock-on a killer."

Irish Mirror 5/10: "One big turnover but, once again, knows he could have done better on the big stage."

RUCK: "After being an evergreen winner in the Ireland team, Doris was proven to be beatable after all. His opposite man got the better of him, as Ardie Savea had the game of his life. Doris was turned over at the breakdown at 12 minutes, and again just inches from the try-line at 16 minutes. A huge Doris turnover halted All Blacks attack at the half hour mark, and he returned kick-offs with a fiery first step into the collision. His late high ball knock on personified Ireland – the best in the world but slipped at the crucial match."

Irish Independent 5/10: "A huge missed kick when Ireland trailed by eight brought back unwanted memories of this fixture in 2013. For a player who has given so much to Irish Rugby, a horrible way for his career to end."

Irish Independent 5/10: "Pinged twice in the opening minutes, once at the breakdown and once in the scrum. Indeed, he drew the whistle from Wayne Barnes in two of the game's first three scrums. Running dialogue with the ref but seemed frustrated throughout."

Planet Rugby 3/10: "His illegalities at the scrum finally caught up with him as Wayne Barnes continually penalised Porter for not driving straight. However, it was his needless infringement in the opening minute which set the tone."

RUCK 5/10: "Penalised in an early scrum, as his hips were too wide in the pack. A big hit on Will Jordan on the 20th phase, as Ireland defended strong. Couldn’t support Doris in time for his carry, as the number eight was isolated, and Porter couldn’t stop Savea’s turnover. Penalised twice more in the scrum for the same offence, in a performance he would want to forget in the pack. "