Painful four years drives World Cup All Blacks, reports NZ media

New Zealand's loosehead prop Ethan de Groot (right) poses for selfie photos after winning the France 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on Saturday, October 14, 2023. - AFP

WELLINGTON: New Zealand's dramatic Rugby World Cup quarter-final win over Ireland was founded on four years of "adversity and hurt", former All Blacks said Sunday.

The three-time champions were hailed for their defence during their thrilling quarter-final win in Paris after resisting waves of Irish attacks in the nail-biting closing stages.