Former New Zealand star revealed what He felt about All Blacks fans

New Zealand Rugby World Cup winner says they were more nervous for Ireland game than final v South Africa

2011 and 2015 World Cup winner Colin Slade believes New Zealand fans are far more relaxed heading into Saturday’s final than they were before their last-eight clash with Ireland a fortnight ago

Colin Slade, a former star for New Zealand, has disclosed that All Blacks supporters were less anxious about playing South Africa in this Saturday’s World Cup final than they were about playing Ireland in the quarterfinal.

A few weeks ago, in an exciting quarter-final match in Paris, the Kiwis defeated Ireland 28–24 to crush Irish hearts and extend the talk of a quarter-final curse for the men in green.

Last Friday, Ian Foster’s team easily defeated Argentina in the semi-final, securing a matchup with the formidable Springboks. The All Blacks are the only team in history to have won back-to-back World Cups, having done so in 2011 and 2015.

While there is a lot of excitement building for this Saturday’s match, Slade, who won a World Cup with the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015, has disclosed that New Zealand fans were considerably more anxious about the Ireland match because they had suffered devastating losses to the Irish in recent years.

Slade told Off The Ball, “Yeah, I don’t know, we’re obviously very excited. A lot of people are getting last-minute flights, so there’s a lot of excitement.” I’ve been searching for tickets for all of my pals who have emerged from the shadows, which has been rather difficult.

To be honest, we were a little anxious before the Irish game. This one gives us a somewhat different vibe; although we’re not as confident, we’re more excited.

“It’s clear that our goal was to make it to the big dance. Now is the moment, and we are part of the huge spectacle.”