Ireland progressed to the knockout stage of the Olympics rugby sevens as group runners-up, following a 14-12 defeat to New Zealand at Stade de France.
James Topping's side will now go on to play reigning champions Fiji in this evening's quarter-finals.
Ireland were looking to make it three from three in their group and enjoyed the perfect start as an early penalty allowed them to move the ball up-field, thanks to Terry Kennedy's great running, and another penalty followed following a quick move over towards the left flank.
A perfect kick to the corner put Ireland on the five-metre line and when it looked like Hugo Keenan was going to barge over, he somehow dropped the ball allowing the Kiwis to clear.
Mistakes from both sides allowed Ireland to start again, and another penalty concession pushed Topping’s men back into New Zealand territory with two minutes remaining in the first half.
Ireland moved it right and then some sublime running from Zac Ward allowed him to skip past seven and race into the corner for the game’s opening try.
New Zealand were unable to work the ball up the pitch in response, and Ireland took advantage as they brought possession back inside the 22 before a gap opened for Jordan Conroy to race through to touch down, one-handed, as Ireland took a 12-0 lead into the half-time break.
Conroy picked up a knock while scoring and failed to reappear after the break, and it was New Zealand who hit right back just seconds after the restart as Leroy Carter burst forward from midfield to touch down under the posts.
Ireland finally got going and moved the ball into the New Zealand half midway through the half, winning a penalty to move up to the 22, and then working the ball right under the posts.
But New Zealand were offered a lifeline as they won a penalty for not releasing.
Ireland looked to keep the play deep inside the Kiwi half as the game moved into the final minute, but New Zealand worked it the length of the pitch, working it both sides before Ngarohi McGarvey-Black touched down in the corner.
The conversion took the Kiwis two points clear, 14-12, which handed Ireland one last chance to work the ball up the pitch, however, they were stopped on the halfway as the game finished in defeat.
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