Jonathan Sexton says it is a hugely ‘uplifting experience’ to see the thousands of Ireland fans following the squad around New Zealand on their Rugby World Cup journey. He writes about the atmosphere for the Italian game in his latest O2 Rugby blog.
I have never seen an atmosphere like the one we experienced for Sunday’s final pool match against Italy. Over 90% of the crowd must have been Irish.
The only thing I can equate it to is the halcyon days of the soccer team and an occasion like Italia ’90. That was intensity, passion and noise levels coming from the supporters.
The team find it an uplifting experience and as I have said before, it has an incredibly positive effect on players when you’re blowing a bit. We are deeply appreciative of the sacrifices that people have made to come and support us.
By the time we’d finished with all our media responsibilities at the stadium it was quite late and we had some packing to do at the hotel.
All you gear goes ahead in a bus so by the time we completed those chores it was about 1am in the morning. I was engaged on a Skype call but I believe that the sing song in the team room with family and friends was a great occasion.
The lads bought Damien Varley a guitar and it’s been well worth the expense as he’s brilliant and has quickly become the go-to guy when music is required.
We had a down day when we reached Wellington on Monday and everyone wants to get back on the training pitch and prepare as diligently for the quarter-final against Wales as we have for the other matches. It’s an exciting time.
Related Links –
Jonathan’s blogs are on www.O2.ie/rugby.
Jonathan’s Blog: If I’m Called Upon, I’ll Be Ready To Go
Follow the Ireland team in New Zealand on www.twitter.com/irfurugby.
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