Rodney Walshe has been at most All Blacks-Ireland games, and he's ready for another tonight. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The Honorary Consul General for Ireland in New Zealand, Rodney Walshe, is a rugby follower. Indeed, he is a rugby fanatic, supporting both his home side and, in their absence, the All Blacks.
Today, his loyalties will be tried in Wellington's Westpac Stadium, when his two favourite teams
clash. How will he cope at the test between his two favourite teams.
What will the fans be doing at home at 6.35am? Will they have started on the Guinness?
All the die-hard fans will be up watching TV. It's a wee bit early for Guinness - that'll come later. They'll still be on the Irish coffee.
Do you really think the Irish can win this test?
Even though they never have, they will come out trying. Best not to forget though, that there is one Irish side who has beaten the All Blacks - Munster, October 31, 1978, by 12-0. And there are some that say the All Blacks were lucky to score nil. But there will be a victory - for one side or the other.
And how do you think Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll will be feeling, after his terrible injury the last time the teams met?
Ach, he's over that. He's arguably the best in the world in his position (centre), and he'll lead to win.
What song do the fans sing?
On the groundswell of emotion, the song is Fields of Athenree. Which is actually pronounced Athenrye.
Is there a patron saint of Irish rugby?
No, we still adhere to good old St Patrick, may he be watching over us.
What's the most fanatical rugby thing you've ever done?
You couldn't possibly print that in a newspaper. But I've been to every All Blacks game in Ireland in the last 15 years, bar one or two. I guess that's fanaticism.
Finish the sentence, 'The best thing about Irish rugby is ... '
That they go out to play in the spirit of the game and play hard. But once the game is over, they are friends with their opponents and happy to share a Guinness.
And sing?
Always.
And dance?
Depends how much Guinness they've had.
TEST SEASON
What: The first rugby test of the season, All Blacks v Ireland
When: Tonight, 7.35
Where: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
