Ireland fans have faced their fair share of criticism about their foreign-born players from New Zealand supporters. However, it turns out that the All Blacks are in a similar situation.
As one fan tweeted, “Overkill from NZ commentator about foreign players for Ireland… all blacks have just as many Islanders in their team.”
Another commented, “Great try by Bundy Aki. Ireland has improved so much with their foreign players. Smart.”
Another said, “Only NZ have scores tries in this game” after Gibson-Park and Aki scored for Ireland in the first half.
However, another fan debunked the theory with this comment: “Four tries so far in the New Zealand vs Ireland, two apiece. Ireland, in fact, has two NZ-born scorers (Aki and Gibson Park), while New Zealand only has one NZ-born scorer, Savea. Faingaanuku was born in Tonga.”
One Ireland fan fired back, tweeting, “Yep, Ireland has some foreign-born players, but, well, they aren’t the only ones. So get off your high horse and just enjoy the bloody game.”
Another correctly pointed out: “The Irish actually only have eight foreign-born players, one less than the ‘might’ New Zealanders.”
Quarter-finalist’s ranked by foreign-born players:
SOUTH AFRICA (0)
FRANCE (2)
Paul Willemse – South Africa (Lock)
Uini Atonio – New Zealand (Prop)
ENGLAND (5) (*6)
Bevan Rodd – Scotland (Prop)
David Ribbans – South Africa (Lock)
Billy Vunipola – Australia (Back Row)
Manu Tuilagi – Samoa (Centre)
Marcus Smith – Philippines (Fly Half)
Henry Arundell – Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Winger) (*British Overseas Territory)