Andy Farrell and his Irish side made it three wins from three at the Rugby World Cup in France last night as they edged out South Africa on a scoreline of 13-8 in their Pool B encounter at the Stade de France.
Ireland's scrum and line-out malfunctioned on several occassions but despite this the Springboks missed four kicks at goal over the course of the titanic eighty minute battle which proved costly.
The gripping game came down to the final play with South Africa kicking to the corner needing a try to level the game and a conversion on top of that to snatch victory.
Ireland's defence stood firm, winning a scrum before referee Ben O'Keefe blew the full-time whistle.
Their was scenes of joy as the players celebrated in front of the large travelling Irish contingent and within seconds 'Zombie' by the Cranberries echoed around the stadium at full-blast.
Spine-tingling videos show fans singing the famous track in unison once again for the third time in succession this tournament.
Zombie at Stade de France.
An unforgettable night in Paris. pic.twitter.com/EgyJv3xmWu— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) September 23, 2023
Step aside freed from desire pic.twitter.com/ss8vo5D329
— Simon Hick (@hicksimon) September 23, 2023
Has Zombie ever sounded better. The character shown by this Irish team is inspirational. What a night pic.twitter.com/a2Cdx2kxOY
— Donal Lenihan (@LenihanDonal) September 23, 2023
Andy Farrell loved hearing 'Zombie' again at full-time
Andy Farrell and his players are thoroughly enjoying it seemingly become the anthem of this World Cup journey.
Speaking to Clare McNamara of RTÉ Sport after the match, Farrell was asked about the special scenes at the end and the fans now wanting more.
“I sure hope they do because we are going along with them," he said.
"We unbelievably appreciate it. They said there was going to be 30,000 (Irish fans) surely there was more than that?
"It’s fitting with the song at the end, it’s lovely isn’t it?"
Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell gives his reaction after overseeing a World Cup Pool Stage victory over South Africa ☘️
✍️ Recap https://t.co/8WwimLxeXK pic.twitter.com/3355X7LmM0— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 23, 2023
The song has really became integral to rugby's playlist since Munster used it during their Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulouse last year.
It is now played at Thomond Park in Limerick before Munster run out onto the pitch. Dolores O'Riordan and the Cranberries are from the Treaty county and the song certainly is well liked by so many of the players and fans.
While Rugby World Cup organisers haven't got everything right throughout this tournament so far, their efforts to make 'Zombie' the anthem of Ireland's winning run to date seem to be popular.
Hopefully the Cranberries will continue to ring around stadiums at full-time in France for a few weeks to come.
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