Andy Farrell refuses 'sour grapes' over specific aspect of Ireland loss

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has refused to complain about the officiating of the scrums during his side's heartbreaking 28-24 Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand in Paris.

Renowned scrummager Andrew Porter conceded a raft of penalties at scrum time, even when Ireland seemed to have the physical ascendancy at the setpiece.

When asked about the number of penalties Ireland conceded, Farrell refused to complain about referee Wayne Barnes' interpretation of the scrum, even if Ireland came out the wrong side of that particular battle.

“We have a different view of the scrum out there. But we don’t want to sit here with sour grapes," said Farrell.

“The scrum was part of the equation and Andrew [Porter] was frustrated with what was going go out there. But congratulations to New Zealand.

"I mean if you go out with a whimper it's pretty hard to take, isn't it. We deserve a little bit more of ourselves than that and we didn't, did we.

"I'm immensely proud of absolutely everyone connected to Irish rugby to be fair. The staff have been immense over the last four years. The players, not just in this squad but the players we've used in the four year cycle have been a joy to work with. And not just that, the connection with the fans, it seems like it's all one big family.

"I think the sad thing now for us is that for this group it's probably the end. Obviously, it is for Johnny (Sexton), and Keith Earls he is going to retire as well.

"Over the next 24 hours it's time to make sure we get a smile back on our face as soon as we possibly can and celebrate what has been some unbelievable careers and what they have done for Irish rugby.

“I'm unbelievably proud of the group, everyone that's been involved over the last couple of years. That was one hell of a game and somebody had to lose - unfortunately it was us tonight."