The Ireland squad touched down in Dublin airport this morning but in reality they are unlikely to come down from their post-Chicago high anytime soon.
The outpouring of emotion – by players, friends, family, former internationals, Doug Howlett and fans – in Soldier Field was 111 years in the making and could take as much out of the players as 80 minutes against the back-to-back world champions.
The Ireland team celebrated a first win over New Zealand in 29 attempts before catching the red eye back from the Windy City, touching down in Dublin Airport early Monday morning.
The bleary eyes suggest there will be no training Monday or very little on Tuesday, which may not be too much of a worry considering the team had only two days training ahead of the All Blacks game.
Ireland play Canada in the Aviva on Saturday and, with the All Blacks gunning for revenge seven days later, it is very likely Schmidt will heavily rotate his team – giving unused squad members and replacements a game from the start. There may even be a 17th cap for Paddy Jackson, following his questioning by police last week.
Having dismantled Canada 50-7 at last year’s World Cup, the ‘second string’ (likely to include Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien) should be able to account for the Canucks, but the immense emotional hangover from beating the All Blacks should not be underestimated.
Rugby as much as any sport prides itself on its traditions and heritage, so going where 28 Irish teams before had never gone, while simultaneously ending the All Blacks world record run, is something to be proud of.
Tadhg Furlong’s post-match comments, after a game that saw him announce his arrival on the world stage, say it as eloquently as anything.
“It is just such a proud moment. When we scored that last try, I didn’t know what to do, to jump up and down, to cry, I just didn’t know what to do. In a weird way, it takes hold of you. Oh by God, what a performance from the lads, it is just amazing to be part of it,” said the Wexford prop.
“There is immense pride to be Irish, immense pride to be where I am from, pride in my club back home. I’m a proud Wexford man so to be the first person to do it is a huge thing. It is just a hell of a day to be Irish, isn’t it?
“With the weekend with the Cubs, it was just crazy here this week. When we walked around town, there were a lot of Irish Americans, and Irish over for the game. A lot of people there ……
As a kid you always dream of representing your country but never in your wildest imaginations can you dream of doing something like that.”
Hell of a weekend, here is hoping the hangover doesn’t last too long.
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