AVIVA FINDS ITS VOICE AGAIN AFTER UNLUCKY MUNSTER’S EPIC EURO
THE atmosphere around the Aviva Stadium was woefully flat throughout the Six Nations. The increasingly corporate feel to match days at Ireland HQ is no great revelation. The sight of punters streaming back and forth to the bar during games has become a frustrating occurrence. At times, it feels more like a boozy day out than what should be a fullthrottle Test match. The noise and engagement from the stands during the brilliant win against the All Blacks was telling – basically because it was such a rare occurrence. A point emphasised by a trip to Stade de France in the Six Nations for France v Ireland. The Paris citadel was rocking all afternoon. It only reinforced the feeling that the Aviva was falling woefully short. It should be a fortress, but it feels like a low-key music festival on too many occasions. The decibel levels were raised to new levels during Saturday’s European epic between Munster and Toulouse. The 40,000strong crowd uniting in full voice to belt out ‘Zombie’ by the Cranberries just before extra-time was a wonderful moment. A brilliant atmosphere makes all the difference.