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23rd Jun 2018

Former Wallabies star slated for crude Irish stereotype during Australia game

Patrick McCarry

This old chestnut/potato again…

Ireland claimed their first Test Series victory over Australia in 39 years after defeating the Wallabies 20-16 in Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.

CJ Stander was man-of-the-match while Johnny Sexton kicked 15 points as Joe Schmidt’s side got the job done after falling 1-0 down in the best-of-three series.

FOX Sports commentator Greg Clarke was magnanimous after the final whistle and credited Ireland on a highly successful season. Earlier in the game, however, former Wallabies forward Phil Kearns (pictured below, right) did his best to antagonise Irish viewers.

Back in 2011, before Ireland beat Australia 15-6 at the World Cup, made a disparaging comment about Declan Kidney’s side. “They’re not going to have much to cheer about tonight,” he said of the Irish fans, “so they might as well cheer them on in the warm-up.”

Kearns, who captained Australia 10 times and made 67 Test appearances, continues to fire from the hip.

During a 47th minute break in play, he leaned back upon a couple of lazy ‘Irish’ stereotypes.

“‘Fiddle-di-dee, Fiddle-di-dee, Fiddle-di-dee, potato’… [they’re] out the back there having their own little chat.”

Cue an awkward silence for a few seconds before Clarke continued with his match commentary.

The comments were latched onto by Irish viewers watching the game and there was a strong reaction on social media, with former Ulster and Ireland flanker Neil Best offering his thoughts and signing off with #AussieTwat.

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