The hot phase of the Rugby World Cup begins with the prominent quarter-finals. Ireland finally wants to take the next step in the duel with the “All Blacks”.
These days, the worldwide hit “Zombie” by the Cranberries is experiencing a renaissance in France. The Irish fans sing the song full of fervor after their national team’s victories, creating goosebumps in the stadiums. Thanks to the dominant performances of its heroes, the catchy tune is becoming a long-running hit at the Rugby World Cup – and is fueling a green party that is far from ending.
Ireland are unbeaten in 17 games
“They’re giving us the best days of our lives,” enthused Ireland captain Johnny Sexton recently after reaching the quarter-finals: “And I’m sure we’ll give them something similar.” The world number one has so far confidently eliminated all opponents, and even defending champions South Africa couldn’t stop the Irish. After winning the group, the duel with the All Blacks from New Zealand will take place on Saturday (10/14/23).
“As far as a quarter-final goes, it doesn’t get any more difficult,” said Ireland coach Andy Farrell. But it is also “the stuff dreams are made of.” The respect that his team has for the three-time world champion is huge: “Hopefully they also have a little respect for us.”
The New Zealanders should have that, as the Irish have been unbeaten in 17 games. An incredible series that began in July 2022 with the “All Blacks” – Ireland’s first win ever on New Zealand soil. Farrell is sure that this fact will encourage the “gods in black”: “They will look forward to this game and try to put a few things right.”
“All Blacks” hope Ireland doesn’t sing
New Zealand is “still suffering from the events of last year,” agreed All Blacks star Beauden Barrett, part of the 2015 World Cup team. But he also knows “what a beast Ireland is.” And this monster now wants to make history: a team from the Emerald Isle has never reached the semi-finals.
The fact that there is already a game worthy of a final in the round of the last eight at the Stade de France in Paris is thanks to the early draw for the final round. This was based on the world rankings from December 2020 – and ensures that hosts France and South Africa will also meet in the quarter-finals. England and Wales, who headed the group despite poor performances in recent years, are now facing supposedly “easier” opponents Fiji and Argentina.
“The draw three years ago was a bit unfair, but that’s how it is now,” said Sexton, who will end his successful career after the tournament. Leaving with the World Cup title would be the crowning achievement for the Irish top scorer.
The “All Blacks” want to prevent this with all their might. “I saw them singing the Cranberries,” said New Zealand’s Brodie Retallick: “A great song, but hopefully they won’t sing on Saturday.”
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