Opinion: Raising a glass to the Irish

Ireland celebrate 2nd-five Robbie Henshaw's try during the test match between the All Blacks and Ireland, held at Soldier Field, Chicago. PHOTO/FILE

So the All Blacks' record winning streak is over.

We're not all that used to the All Blacks losing, especially to teams from the Northern Hemisphere.

Historically there have been some in this country who don't react well to the All Blacks losing. They blame the ref, abuse our own players or call for the coaches to be dumped. Others get drunk and disorderly and in the past there have been reports of family violence rising.

So the reaction I have seen to Sunday's loss to Ireland has been a nice change. The general reaction among the public has been one of happiness for the Irish and acknowledgement they were simply the better team on the day.

Does this herald a new, more grownup attitude to rugby in this country? Are we slowly, with each generation, gaining better perspective when it comes to the All Blacks and their success or otherwise?

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Sure, I groaned and swore during the game and even flicked over to the Kiwis playing Australia on the other channel hoping for a happier ending with the other code.

But when the final whistle went, I watched the celebrations and was happy for the Irish. Having been to many a rugby game in Ireland and knowing what the game means to them, it was the fairytale ending they deserved.

As the Irish and Kiwi fans celebrated side by side in Chicago, the world kept turning and we went about our day knowing the All Blacks would still win more than they lose.

Besides, it could have been a lot worse. It could have been England. Now, that would have been a disaster.