I Will Survive played as the Rugby World Cup quarter-final ended last night instead of Zombie, as Ireland’s loss against New Zealand hit home for fans.
Ireland lost to New Zealand 24-28 in a nail-biting match up to the last minute at Stade de France last night.
The result in Paris ends a run of 17 wins in a row for the top-ranked Irish team and marks the eighth time Ireland has failed to move past the quarter-final in the Rugby World Cup.
Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean told On the Record it was an “emotional” evening for fans and players alike.
“Ireland have now been involved in probably the two best games of the World Cup and go out as possibly the best team ever to lose in the quarter-finals,” he said.
One fan from Tipperary travelled to Paris with his 10-year-old son by flying to London then getting a train to Paris – a journey he perhaps regrets taking now.
“I don’t know how Ireland can come back from that.” Ray and Oisin from Tipperay after #IRE got knocked out of the QF in Paris. More @emmetoliver for @gavreilly the final On the Record. 12pm #IRLNZL pic.twitter.com/KkXvOejRYn
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) October 15, 2023
“I came here expecting something better, and this team deserved better,” he said.
“New Zealand played champagne rugby – they played rugby like they haven’t played in four years.
“Ireland didn’t play the rugby today that they have played for the last while.
“And now we’re not singing Zombie.”
“Shell shocked.” Dan after #IRE got knocked out of the QF in Paris. More @emmetoliver for @gavreilly the final On the Record. 12pm #IRLNZL @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/SZP66vOi3s
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) October 15, 2023
Another fan said Ireland has had a “historic run” in recent months.
“Not by luck, not by chance, not by lucky decisions,” he said.
“It was pure hard work and they worked so hard tonight as well.
“But they just didn’t make it and that’s the most depressing thing.”
“Ireland left it behind.” Fans after #IRE got knocked out of the QF in Paris. More @emmetoliver for @gavreilly the final On the Record. 12pm #IRLNZL @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/wUoOTNbwt4
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) October 15, 2023
The fan also said he feels “worse about Johnny [Sexton]”, who will retire from his playing career following the match.
“He played really well, but it just wasn't enough,” he said.
“Magnificent career behind him, a wonderful record, but he never got past the quarter-finals.”
“That really almost brought a tear to my eye.”
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