CHICAGO, IL – If there was any doubt lingering after seeing the Chicago Cubs win a World Series for the first time in 108 years, what we all witnessed at a sun-splashed Soldier Field. dispelled those doubts. Indeed, pigs are flying. Snowballs are being thrown in Hell. America followed its first black President with it’s first female President? Ireland’s epic victory over the All Blacks was beyond all the above. 111 years of futility ended, but not before it was so cruelly in jeopardy of continuing. When the dust cleared at the end of regulation, however, they were dancin’ in Dingle, tearin’ up Tipperary and… weeping in Wellington. The logical irony is that it was all engineered by a refreshing, easy-going Kiwi-killer named Joe Schmidt, himself a New Zealander. The best part is that we were there to witness it. Moreover, our Matt McCarthy spoke with Irish Coach Schmidt, fullback Rob Kearney, flanker CJ Stander and USA Rugby’s CEO, Dan Payne.
This clip has those interviews, while capturing the essence of the fan experience, which included a thoughtful tribute to Anthony “Axel” Foley, who was undoubtedly smiling down from the rugby pitch in the sky.
Suffice to say, this was easily the greatest rugby experience on American soil. And hopefully a precursor of more to come. Ireland vs England next? New Zealand vs South Africa? Both? We can’t wait to see.
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