If they have not yet won on the field against the All Blacks who are gaining strength in this competition, the Irish are the undisputed kings in the stands. XV du Trèfle supporters invaded Paris, including many British pubs this Saturday. Fans in green also gather to sing their anthem, the song “Zombie” by the Cranberries, performed a cappella in the capital. Some even start playing rugby in the streets of Paris.
On the sidelines of this quarter-final against the Blacks which promises to be exceptional, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar spoke this Saturday morning. “Irish fans are the best in the world. Of course, I’m not objective but I sincerely believe it. And not just for rugby. They are also when it comes to football or other sports. They always behave in an exemplary manner. It’s a real boost for the team to see the stadiums all green. Rugby is a major sport in Ireland.
Varadkar later clarified that the “Northern Irish and the Irish support the same team. Irish rugby has always been marked by its mix between Protestants and Catholics. “It’s something that can help bring Ireland together.”
The supporters of the XV du Trèfle will give everything this evening to push their team to eliminate New Zealand. The match will kick off at 9 p.m. at the Stade de France and the winner will face Wales or Argentina in the semi-final.