Ireland's supporters cheer in the stands ahead of 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 14 October , 2023. Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
It's the showdown we've all been waiting for: the three-time world champions versus the number-one ranked team in the world.
Redemption is most certainly on the minds of All Blacks fans after last year's series loss on home soil to Ireland, while the men in green will be determined to prove they're the real deal by making it to the semi-finals for the first time.
The highly-anticipated match kicked off at 9pm in Paris (8am NZDT) at Stade de France but fans began flocking to the stadium as early as 3pm.
It's jerseys galore with emerald green being the dominant colour amongst the crowds, but All Blacks fans are making their presence known.
Rugby World Cup 2023: All Blacks v Ireland - all the action from paris
Christchurch-born Phil Cron now resides in Canada but made the trip to Paris to support his favourite team.
"They haven't played as well as we'd like to see them play, they've got to be consistent, keep the red card away, don't lose a player but keep the pace up."
Phil Cron (second from right). Photo: Tiffany Salmond / RNZ
Kiwi Hayden Holmes lives in York, England but continues to be a passionate All Blacks fan.
"New Zealand by 13. Big call, but they'll beat them up around the rucks."
Holmes also isn't phased about being surrounded by a sea of green.
"They're a pretty good nature though, aren't they! I don't think I'll be picking any fights with them. They like singing, so we're alright."
Hayden Holmes (right). Photo: Tiffany Salmond / RNZ
Spotting an All Blacks fan amongst the crowd was a bit like playing where's Wally - the Irish have taken over Stade de France.
Ireland supporter Brian Hallidoy travelled from London to be a part of the action.
"I think this is the first time in quite a number of years where we've got a proper chance of getting to a later stage of the tournament and even winning it so the enthusiasm has gripped the nation."
Brian Hallidoy (right). Photo: Tiffany Salmond / RNZ
Niall Cesey flew in from Ireland last night and has full confidence his team will be making history.
"Mack Hansen is going to have an absolute howler, he's going to score about two tries, Ireland are going to wipe the floor and New Zealand are going to be wiping their wounds, looking for Kleenex at the end of the game."
When asked about his thoughts on the All Blacks, he didn't hold back.
"They're here for the day out, they're here to see what this side of France is like, they'll have a look around but Ireland are going to win."
Niall Cesey. Photo: Tiffany Salmond / RNZ
The energy at Stade de France can only be described as a mixture of excitement and tense anticipation. It's do or die for both teams as their reputations are on the line.
