Rugby fans embraced Ireland’s “historic victory” in Wellington on Saturday, despite the disappointment of the The crushing defeat of all blacks at the Sky stadium.
Ireland triumphed 32-22 over the All Blacks to become the fifth touring team ever to win a series win over the All Blacks at home.
Police reported no significant incidents after more than 35,000 fans poured into the city of Wellington after the game.
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Dermot Murphy owns the D4 bars on Featherston St and Allen St.
He said there was a 60-40 split between Irish and All Blacks fans on Saturday night without any problems
“The Kiwis knew it was a historic victory. They embraced it and had a lot of fun with the Irish,” Murphy said.
JUAN ZARAMA PERINIA
Dermot Murphy said Kiwi fans embraced Ireland’s historic victory and “had a lot of fun”.
Business over the weekend was “up there” with the Lions tour in 2005.
“I spoke to a lot of other owners this morning and everyone had a great night,” Murphy said.
Eugene Wherly, of JJ Murphy’s Irish bar in Cuba St, said the mood was high on Saturday night, although the result was disappointing for the home side.
“It was just brilliant. Everyone was in great shape. The craic… it was just amazing,” he said.
Joe Allison/Getty Images
Irish fans celebrate the historic victory in Wellington on Saturday night.
The influx of rugby fans had kept the bars busy all weekend.
“It was swell. It was a brilliant weekend for Wellington,” said Wherly.
An unabashed Irish supporter, Wherly said the consistent form of the tourists had softened the blow to All Blacks fans.
“Ireland played so well throughout the series, so it wasn’t a shock to the Kiwis. Everyone who came back from the stadium said it was deserved.”
Sonny Bill Williams and National MP Chris Bishop took to Twitter to congratulate the Irish team and Courtenay Pl saw Irish players Peter O’Mahony and Bundee Aki join the revelers after the win.
Police had previously confirmed that there would be more police presence in Wellington’s central hot spots after the game.
Three people were entered from the stadium for breaking into the pitch, but on Sunday morning a police spokesman said there had been no significant incidents at the stadium or in the city.
“We were satisfied with the behavior in the city after last night’s game and there were no major problems,” the spokesperson said.