Retiring Ireland captain Johnny Sexton rips 'classless' All Black ...

16 Oct 2023
Rieko Ioane

Rieko Ioane’s actions in the aftermath of the All Blacks’ quarterfinal win against Ireland in Paris have been labelled “classless”.

The All Blacks’ centre copped a verbal spray from retiring Ireland captain Johnny Sexton for his antics, too, with footage showing a visibly fuming Sexton shouting at Ioane in the moments after the All Blacks knocked the world No 1 side out of the World Cup in France.

While the broadcast didn’t capture footage of Ioane’s actions, according to the Irish Times, Sexton’s spray was prompted by Ioane taunting Irish fans in the crowd.

“Ioane, in a classless gesture, put his finger to his lips while looking at the Irish crowd, and then felt compelled to bid farewell to Sexton,” rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley wrote at the Stade de France.

New Zealand-based Getty photographer Hannah Peters snapped a photo of Ioane holding his hand to his ear not far from where a gutted Sexton was coming to grips with the 28-24 defeat.

Ioane, who has been known to chirp at opponents and not hold back when celebrating, turned his back on a furious Sexton and walked away.

Sky Sport

All Blacks hold on to beat Ireland in epic Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in Paris.

Ireland replacement Jack Conan eventually turned Sexton away from Ioane and the No 10 went on to shake All Blacks lock Scott Barrett’s hand.

Emotions were clearly high on both sides moments after the All Blacks ended Ireland’s 17-match winning streak, having rebuffed a 37-phase raid that started deep in Ireland’s half and came up nine metres short.

In contrast to what went down between Ioane and Sexton, All Blacks captain Sam Cane and coach Ian Foster paid respect to the playmaker during the post-match presser.

Hannah Peters/Getty Images

All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane holds his hand to his ear in the aftermath of his team’s World Cup quarterfinal win against Ireland in Paris on Sunday morning.

“We know how much it hurts, but when we reflect on his career, we see how great he has been for Ireland. He is great at decision-making, and he plays an outstanding game, and the fact that he has been playing at this level proves it. Congratulations on his outstanding career,” Foster said.

“He’s been massively successful for them. If we hadn’t won, we would have a number of iconic players we would be saying goodbye to, too.”

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