In the aftermath of Ireland's disappointing defeat to New Zealand, former rugby star Stephen Ferris shared his thoughts on the match during an appearance on The Build-up with Ladbrokes.
His insights capture both the palpable excitement leading up to the game and the stark reality of the performance that followed.
The Ulster great said:
Most of the games that I played in were on a Friday night… was always a brilliant atmosphere… when the big teams came to town the atmosphere was electric before games.
For some reason this international match, I was speaking to the punters before the game and everybody was excited about getting involved in the atmosphere, there seemed to be a good buzz around the city.
When we get into the stadium, I was running around a few boxes telling a few terrible gags, trying to get people laughing. The game and the atmosphere in the first twenty minutes was just so, so flat.
If it’s an epic game and people are up out of their seats it makes things a lot better for the fans going.
The match itself was littered with mistakes, Ireland couldn’t get going it was just one of those nights.
Down below me was this band and when there was a break of play they would play… but I was like surely we can generate something better.
Anytime you stick on the South African rugby channel they’re singing they’re dancing, everybody’s loving life.
We got to start thinking outside the box
As Ireland prepares for tonight's challenge against Argentina, these insights serve as a reminder of the importance of harnessing the energy of supporters and striving for the execution that has defined their recent successes.
The Irish team will undoubtedly take these lessons to heart as they look to bounce back and restore pride in their home crowd.
It’s Match Day in Dublin! ☘️#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/x7o2VGrGm5
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 15, 2024
