Action from a previous Ireland versus New Zealand clash. The nation holds its breath as Ireland prepare to face New ZealandBy Gerry BuckleyAs people all over the Republic of Ireland sweated profusely, yours truly was unaware at the time of RTÉ commentator George Hamilton’s infamous line 'The nation holds its breath" in Genoa on June 25, 1990. That's because I was privileged to be behind the goalmouth where penalty kicks were being taken to decide who would face hosts Italy in the World Cup quarter-final. is holding its breath ahead of a rugby World Cup quarter-final against the All Blacks. However, there is the small matter of a haka and 80-plus minutes of ensuing rugby in the Stade de France standing between Ireland and history.

Source: Irish Independent October 13, 2023 23:19 UTC