OPINION: The All Blacks have set up a Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with England, with a convincing seven-try 46-14 win over Ireland in Tokyo.
Ireland headed into the match with two wins from their last three games against New Zealand, but they were no match for the world champions, as the Joe Schmidt era came to an end.
- Andrew Gourdie: The biggest winner of all to emerge from the All Blacks' win over Ireland
- World media reacts to All Blacks' quarter-final win over Ireland
- All Blacks make statement by thumping Ireland
- As it happened - All Blacks v Ireland
Here's how the All Blacks rated in their best performance at the Rugby World Cup so far.
PLAYER RATINGS
1. Joe Moody - 9
The All Blacks premier loosehead prop just might've established himself as the world's best with this performance.
Incredibly mobile for such a big man, 11 tackles without a miss, some tough carries over the advantage line and solid scrummaging - a massive 49 minutes.
2. Codie Taylor - 7
Was a big part of the near-faultless first half that set the tone for the rest of the match.
Rewarded with a try just after the break. Missed one lineout and subbed after 60 minutes.
3. Nepo Laulala - 6
Wasn't able to star like his propping partner, but made several charging decoy runs that don't earn you the stats. No carries and just one tackle.
Solid in the scrum against Cian Healy. Subbed after 49 minutes.
4. Brodie Retallick - 7
Still working his way back from that dislocated shoulder, but the signs are looking good, with another 56 minutes of action under his belt.
Lots of carries, faultless on defence and will only get better with more gametime.
5. Sam Whitelock - 8
Just like good mate Kieran Read, Whitelock was determined to lead from the front. Got through a mountain of work.
6. Ardie Savea - 8
A trademark Ardie performance. He had the legs pumping, the offloads going and made a game-high 14 tackles.
Another massive 80 minutes.
7. Sam Cane - 8
Sometimes Cane turns into a rugby version of the 'Terminator' and this was one of those games.
The openside flanker annihilated anything in green, forcing mistakes, and didn't allow Johnny Sexton to get into the game at all. Replaced at halftime, but still made 12 tackles.
8. Kieran Read - 9
He's saving some of his best work for his last tournament. After running the tramlines earlier in his career, the skipper now owns the middle of the park with bone-rattling tackles, silky ball-skills and powerful runs.
A huge performance. Man of the match for me.
9. Aaron Smith - 8
We know he's got a lightning-quick pass, but Smith is at his best when he adds his running game into the mix.
Two well-taken first-half tries and very cool when he signalled an 'L' for baby Luka. A great 60 minutes.
10. Richie Mo'unga - 7
The new king of the crosskick, following in the footsteps of Beauden Barrett.
He has a sixth sense about where the space is on a rugby field. A couple of missed conversions and a couple of missed tackles.
11. George Bridge - 8
Just a really good rugby player. Is always where he needs to be and comes up with the right play every time.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown - 7
He's set himself a high benchmark at this tournament and wasn't quite able to reach that standard tonight.
Not as elusive as he could be, with just one clean break late in the second-half, but was accurate as always on defence
13. Jack Goodhue - 7
Got up quickly on defence and shut down any hopes the Irish had of unleashing their outside backs.
Did what he always does on attack too, by making those outside him look good. Subbed after 52 minutes.
14. Sevu Reece - 9
Not only is the pocket rocket brilliant with ball-in-hand and harder to catch than a greasy pig, he also comes up with sensational reads on defence.
His tackle on Johnny Sexton led to Beauden Barrett's try. Huge workrate and came off after 64 minutes.
15. Beauden Barrett - 8
So cool, calm and collected in everything he does. You just knew the ball would sit up for him when he scored his first-half try.
He's gone from being the world's best first-five to the world's best fullback. He's getting heaps of touches and it's working wonders for NZ.
RESERVES
16. Dane Coles – 7
The old dog still has that trademark speed, with a fantastic break and offload for George Bridge's try.
Good impact in his 20 minutes, but deserves more time on the field.
17. Ofa Tuungafasi - 8
Picked up where Joe Moody left off, with a massive shift from the bench.
One of his best performances in black - 12 tackles in just 31 minutes.
18. Angus Ta'avao - 6
Maybe it just wasn't a game for the tightheads. A solid night out, but nothing spectacular.
19. Scott Barrett - 6
Played half a game at blindside flanker, but looks a lot better at lock.
20. Matt Todd - 7
An eventful 24 minutes, scoring a try and receiving a harsh yellow card.
21. TJ Perenara - 7
A nice try assist and made sure the standard didn't drop, after coming on for Smith.
22. Sonny Bill Williams - 6
Didn't make much of an impact.
23. Jordie Barrett - 6
Scored a try from a nice pass from big brother.
Essential Guide to 2019 Rugby World Cup
Everything you need to know about rugby and the World Cup...
The ninth Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 20 in Japan - the first time it has been hosted in Asia.
John Day is a Newshub sports reporter, covering the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Join us at 8:15pm Sunday for live updates of the Wales v France Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
