New Zealand legend shows true colours ahead of Ireland Rugby World Cup clash

Rugby World Cup – highlights from day 21

Former New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has paid tribute to Ireland and their fans ahead of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup showdown. The two nations are set to meet in the quarter-finals after each notching a series of big wins in the group stages.

Ireland made it through Pool B without a hitch, topping the table after handsome victories over Romania, Tonga and Scotland. A hard-fought win over South Africa, meanwhile, was a major statement of intent from Andy Farrell’s side.

New Zealand had to settle for second place in Pool A after losing to France in their World Cup opener. The All Blacks followed up that disappointing result with a string of one-sided thrashings over Namibia, Italy and Uruguay.

Now, with a heavyweight meeting between Ireland and New Zealand set to unfold this weekend, All Blacks hero Williams has shown a touch of class by praising his nation’s in-form opponents.

Don’t miss… Fiji coach shows class with special gesture after Portugal’s Rugby World Cup win

“Love the Irish and how passionate their fans are,” he wrote on X. “Players always carry themselves with dignity and they’re playing some bloody good rugby. See you guys next week – these are the games I miss playing in.”

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has also had his say on the contest, admitting that the pressure will be on when both sets of players take to the field.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

“They’ve already said it’s one that they want and when they’re hurting and they want to put it right, that’s the biggest challenge in rugby, to try and beat them when they’re in that frame of mind,” he said.

“Two teams will both be under pressure for different reasons and it will be who copes with that the best and who can put their game out there on the biggest day when the pressure is on. We’ve played New Zealand plenty of times and they’ve come into some good form themselves over the last few weeks.

“It’s going to be a hell of a game and we just need to prepare right over the next few days and get the best performance we can out there. We need to be ready for it.”

Whichever way the game goes, the tournament will lose a heavy-hitter between New Zealand and Ireland, with both teams among the favourites to go all the way in France.

Buy all of your Rugby World Cup 2023 programmes here

Source: Read Full Article