Three-time champions New Zealand inflicted more World Cup heartbreak on Ireland on Saturday, beating them 28-24 in a tense quarterfinal to bring a bitterly disappointing end to Irish captain Johnny Sexton's stellar career.

The All Blacks avenged a historic home series defeat at the hands of Ireland last year, taking their chances when they had them in a clinical fashion at the Stade de France to reach a semi-final against Argentina.

The defeat ended Ireland's run of 17 successive Test victories and denied Andy Farrell's team the chance of reaching the last four for the first time in their history.

"You've got to work hard for fairy-tale endings, and we didn't get it but that's life," 38-year-old Sexton said.

"We left no stone unturned, we ticked every box, trained the house down, and played pretty well tonight. But fair play to the All Blacks."

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster said their 28-24 win over Ireland was one of his "sweetest victories."

Foster said not only had his team emerged from a severe test, he was also proud that they had done so with one player off the pitch for much of the game.

"I'm pretty happy. This is a special day for us," he told reporters.

"Sometimes the sweetest victories are when your opposition plays very well and tests you to the limit... At the end of the day, we played a lot of that game with 14 players. And we looked in control of it and it felt good."

In another quarterfinal, Argentina beat Wales 29-17 on Saturday, earning the South American side a third semi-final appearance against three-time champions New Zealand.

Argentina coach Michael Cheika said his side's fight back from a 10-point deficit to beat Wales was a reward for months of hard work.

"These players are such good people, without getting too emotional," said a beaming Cheika after the clash at the Stade de Marseille.

"They have worked really hard and I think that hard work showed at the end of the game today."

"They wanted to fight for it, they wanted to earn it. We were behind so it takes a bit of leg work. The whole 23 along with the 10 who didn't play put in a huge effort," Cheika further mentioned.

For captain Julian Montoya success was the culmination of a long road walked together.

"I think it comes from our personality and the way that we train. We've been preparing for this a lot. Nothing is too easy for us for the last couple of years," he said.

"We trust each other. We are a very tight group. I know you just see the 15 on the pitch or the 23, but there is a group of people behind us who are unbelievable. They work day and night. We are the fortunate guys who wear the jersey, but this is a team effort."

"We know it is not going to be perfect; life is not perfect. It's how you embrace the moment and fight for each other. That's what rugby is about." said Montoya.

(With input from agencies)

(Cover: Players of Wales during a World Cup training session at the Stade Mayol in Toulon, France, October 10, 2023. /CFP)