JOSH ANSWERS IRELAND’S CALL AGAINST ALL BLACKS
Former Wicklow RFC star shines off the bench
WICKLOW’S own Josh van der Flier became a part of history in Soldier’s Field in Chicago on Saturday as Ireland managed to rid themselves of a 111-year hoodoo by beating New Zealand in scintillating fashion.
In a superb performance the players certainly answered Ireland’s call to finally end the famine against the All Blacks, coming out on top 40-29 in a rip-roaring contest.
When the world champions trimmed a 30-8 eight deficit to 33-29, memories of the heartbreaking loss in Dublin three years ago came flooding back and supporters feared the worst, but to a man the Irish stood tall to finish off the Kiwis, who came into the match on an 18-match winning run.
And a Wicklow man played a pivotal part in the triumph, with Josh van der Flier very much to the forefront in an Irish performance full of passion, guts, and no shortage of skill.
Van der Flier began the game on the replacements’ bench but when he was summoned from the sideline after Jordi Murphy’s injury he seamlessly entered the fray and had a massive impact on the contest.
Ireland had heroes all over the field, helping themselves to five tries and were brilliant at the breakdown, forcing turnovers and penalties as the pack continually drove over the New Zealand eight, with van der Flier certainly making his mark.
The 23-year-old entered the heat of battle after 25 minutes and made an incredible 13 tackles, literally putting his body on the line for the Irish cause, and the flanker said despite the almost overbearing weight of history confidence was high in the Irish camp.
‘We always knew that if we perform to our best, we’d get the win. Obviously it was a very special day. A long time coming,’ he said.
Coach Joe Schmidt was full of praise for the character of his players on a special night for the Irish in Chicago.
‘I really thought the players did themselves proud. To be fair, they did Axel proud and his family and they did their country proud.
‘I think the supporters did well as well. The longer the game went on the more they got behind the team,’ he said.
Schmidt was also glowing in his assessment of van der Flier’s performance and lauded the Wicklow man’s attitude and contribution.
‘Josh van der Flier just didn’t know when to give up. He went hard after the ball and hard after them,’ said the Irish manager.