New Zealand's All Blacks confirmed their place in yet another Rugby World Cup quarterfinal with three powerful victories over Namibia, Italy and Uruguay.
Rebounding from their opening-day loss to hosts France, the Kiwis have been in red-hot form ever since.
Now set to collide with an Ireland team who topped Pool B following titanic matches with South Africa and Scotland. The All Blacks will be out for revenge against the team that beat them 2 - 1 in a home series in 2022.
Witnessing the remarkable travelling support that Ireland have enjoyed this tournament, New Zealand know there will likely be more than 60,000 Irish fans at the Stade de France on Saturday evening.
Reaching Out To The Old Rivaly
In a surprising and unprecedented move, New Zealand rugby has extended an olive branch across the Tasman Sea, appealing to their Australian counterparts to rally behind them for the fixture.
Historically, New Zealand and Australia have shared one of the most fierce and storied rivalries in rugby, with matches between the two nations often reaching an intensity unparalleled in the sport.
However, the Kiwi rugby community's call for Australian support will hope to create a sense of unity and respect that can transcend rivalry when it comes to the grand stage of the Rugby World Cup.
As New Zealand prepares to face off against a formidable Irish squad, they recognize the power of solidarity and the uplifting impact that a chorus of support from their Australian neighbours can bring.
Going as far as to reach out to former Wallabies Matt Giteua and Drew Mitchell whilst also asking Wallabies fans on Twitter who they would be supporting. The move was an interesting one, to say the least, from New Zealand Rugby.
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