RTE’S JACQUI
RTE commentator Jacqui Hurley said she’s still on a high after Ireland’s epic win over South Africa last weekend, declaring: “We can win it!”
The Cork native, who co-presents coverage of the games on RTE2 with Hugh Cahill and Des Curran, said the 13-8 defeat of the mighty Springboks was a “massive statement”.
Jacqui, 39, told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “I think they can win it. They have one of the best squads in the tournament.
“Our whole psyche has changed, we are used to being the underdog not the top dog, we’re now the number one in the world.
“They’ve picked a squad that is really durable. It’s the most equipped we’ve ever been to win a World Cup.”
Speaking to us after the monumental win, she said: “I’m only just coming down because it was one of the biggest highs I’ve ever had in studio.
PHENOMENAL
“It was phenomenal, incredibly emotionally draining and dramatic. They didn’t play their absolute best. They managed to get through what was an absolute dogfight.
“They’ve got 16 consecutive wins now. This win sends out a massive statement.
“Mentally they know they can do it because they’ve overcome such a big hurdle.”
Jacqui’s husband Shane Mcmahon and sister Triona were in the stadium for the big win.
She added: “It was one of the greatest atmospheres they’d ever experienced in their lives.
“They stayed in the stadium for an hour and a half afterwards to listen to Zombie ringing out which has obviously been a Munster rugby anthem and has now become an Irish one.”
Jacqui travelled to see Ireland in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand and in 2019 in Japan.
She said: “We’re worlds apart from where we were even 10 years ago.
“Yes, Ireland were winning Grand Slams in 2009.
“We’ve realised this current generation of Irish rugby players is the best we’ve ever had.
“That’s what’s reigniting the bandwagon, why people want to be part of it.”
Jacqui described head coach Andy Farrell, who brought the team to a Six Nations Grand Slam this year, as “one of the best” in the world.
Jacqui said: “You see the things he does for the players.
“They’re chartering flights out every weekend for the families, they’re allowing them to go into the team hotel and spend time with the lads on their days off. Andy recognises if they need head space and spend a bit of time with their young families that brings them joy.” The broadcaster admitted she was