Ahead of their 2023 World Cup quarter-final this weekend, New Zealand fans have initiated some pre-match banter, affectionately referring to Ireland as ‘the All Greens’.
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The banter took root after Ireland secured a series win against the All Blacks the previous summer, partly due to the contributions of two prominent New Zealanders within the Irish team.
Remarkably, Bundee Aki, who many argue has been the standout player of the tournament, and Jamison Gibson-Park, are both in the starting lineup for Ireland once again. This lineup choice adds fuel to the fire of an already intense rivalry.
This rivalry has garnered attention beyond the pitch, with the Kiwi media likening Ireland to ‘the new England’ due to the spirited competition between the two nations.
“There have only been a few teams who have made themselves universally unpopular in the way they have behaved, or carried themselves on the field or after games.” he said.
“The most notorious was Will Carling’s England team of the late 1980s and early 1990s, who were never much liked by anyone other than their own fans. They were perceived as arrogant, often condescending to opponents, and a touch too fond of celebrating their own success.
“This Ireland team have perhaps become the new England, as their prolonged stretch as No 1 in the world rankings may be fostering a culture of entitlement.”
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)