Irish fans descended on Auckland’s Irish club in Mt Albert in front of Ireland’s face against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
A sea of green hats, sweaters and beaded necklaces could be seen at the venue as fans drank Guinness, ate hot chips and listened to live Irish music.
Jane Quinn, club president, said it was a wonderful day for Kiwi Irish and the mood at the club felt like St Patrick’s Day.
“It’s an exciting day for all of us – Ireland have not been here since 2011.”
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Quinn, who has been in New Zealand for 34 years, said in an ideal world, Ireland would win and they would return to the club after the match to celebrate.
“But we will have a party after the game anyway.”
Catherine Goodwin, who has supported both Ireland and the All Blacks, said she would be happy with whoever won.
“It’s just good to see people we haven’t had in a long time. We missed two St Paddy’s days because of Covid, so it felt very festive. ”
David White / Stuff
Irish rugby fans Joe Callow-Salt, left, and John Crowley gather at the Auckland Irish Club ahead of tonight’s match against the All Blacks.
It was announced 18 months ago that Ireland will tour Aotearoa and their arrival points are the first time a northern hemisphere opponent has visited it, since France in 2018.
Auckland’s Eden Park is a place where the All Blacks have not lost for 28 years (44 wins, two draws since France fell to France in 1994).
The last time the two teams played, seven months ago in Ireland’s Dublin, the All Blacks suffered a 29-20 defeat.
Colin Kelly, who was originally from Galway but has lived in New Zealand for 40 years, said if Ireland won, it would be a “beautiful evening”.
“But I have a feeling the All Blacks can win this one,” Kelly said.
Meanwhile, Dave Lundon was “quietly confident” about Ireland’s chances.
“I hope we have a chance – I think Covid played a bit in our hands as a lot of the All Blacks star is gone with it. We have won three of the last five games against the All Blacks, so we have a chance.”
Irish fan Katie Ashdown said although she supports both teams, she supports the green side in her heart.
David White / Stuff
Irish rugby fans gather at the Auckland Irish Club before tonight’s match against the All Blacks.
“It is very exciting and just wonderful to see how everyone enjoys things again. However, I hope Ireland wins. “
Fans of Ireland were planning to take a “walking bus” to the stadium from the club around 6pm.
Jane Quinn said there would be hundreds of Irish fans walking there singing and chanting.
Fans driving a car could experience delays following a fire on Auckland’s northwest highway.