Ireland took on New Zealand on Sunday afternoon in a massive Rugby World Cup clash in Brighton.

Three wins from three for both sides had guaranteed they would be progressing from Pool C regardless of Sunday’s result, but the victor would secure top spot and a more favourable quarter-final draw.

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After Ireland failed to qualify for the last World Cup in 2022, the setup of their final pool game this time around showed how much the team have progressed in just a few years.

There was a massive Irish contingent in the stands at the AMEX Stadium, with the atmosphere electric ahead of kick-off.

Of course, any World Cup game involving New Zealand has the added spectacle of the pre-game Haka.

As the Black Ferns performed their traditional war dance, the Ireland team produced an amazing response that sent goosebumps down the spine of fans both in the stadium and watching from home.

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Ireland rise to challenge of New Zealand Haka at World Cup

One of the questions for any team facing the Black Ferns is how best to respond to the Haka.

The challenge laid down to rival teams is one that has been met with many responses over the years, and Ireland produced another classic on Sunday ahead of their World Cup clash with New Zealand.

After the conclusion of the Haka, the Black Ferns held their final pose, with Ireland responding by taking a confident stride forward to the ten-metre line.

Both sides then refused to be the first to budge, with Ireland staring down their opponents with fierce determination.

Footage from the stands showed the huge response the stand-off got from the fans within the stadium in Brighton, with the tension palpable ahead of an enormous World Cup game.

Down through the years, Ireland teams have produced some memorable responses to the Haka ahead of clashes with New Zealand.

At the Men’s World Cup in 2023, as they had in Chicago in 2016, Ireland configured themselves in a Figure-of-8 formation in remembrance of the late Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley.

It has also commonly been met with ‘The Fields of Athenry’ by Ireland fans in the stadium.

Ireland’s response to New Zealand’s Haka on Sunday afternoon most certainly falls within that “goosebumps” realm.

The first half was to prove difficult for Ireland, with New Zealand taking a 19-0 lead and Stacey Flood stretchered off with a worrying injury.

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