Rugby: We cheered on the soccer heroes - Wood
Ireland rugby union skipper Keith Wood admitted his team had been glued to their television sets yesterday as their soccer counterparts edged into the World Cup Finals.
Dublin is recovering from a collective hangover today as it attempts to revive itself from a party which lasted well into the small hours.
But while tomorrow’s clash with the All Blacks at Lansdowne Road prevented Wood and his team-mates joining the festivities, he said the atmosphere inside the team hotel matched the jubilation which erupted outside when Mick McCarthy’s side confirmed their tickets for next year’s trip to the Far East.
‘‘We were all watching, hoping they would make it,’’ said Wood. ‘‘The Irish people are sports mad and over the last few years they have not had that much to cheer about.
‘‘But we were just as excited as the fans when we were watching the game.
‘‘I can’t say it will help us tomorrow, because you don’t have time to think about soccer when you are playing against the All Blacks but we are extremely proud of what they have achieved.
‘‘They missed out last time, but I’m sure they will make up for it. It will be a great occasion.’’
