Ireland in fine voice for opener

The Irish rugby team revealed their hidden talent on Thursday at a welcome ceremony in Waitara, following their arrival at New Plymouth airport.

After being greeted by the local Maori iwi (tribe) with traditional dancing and singing, the Irish players responded with a song of their own.

Led by number 8 Denis Leamy, the Irish players performed an a cappella version of the Christy Moore song Ride On, to the delight of a large assembly of schoolchildren.

Captain and centre Brian O’Driscoll emphasised how much his team is looking forward to their opening match of Rugby World Cup 2011 against USA on Sunday at Stadium Taranaki.

“We have been waiting a long time for this World Cup to start,” he said. “The first match can’t come quickly enough.”

He acknowledged that USA will go into the match highly motivated as the day marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Strong motivation

“But our motivation is pretty strong in itself because a World Cup only comes around every four years,” O’Driscoll said.

He added that the team were delighted to be in New Plymouth and have received a warm welcome. ''Please say hello, if you see us in a coffee shop,” he said.

New Plymouth District Mayor Harry Duynhoven hopes Ireland will go a long way in the tournament - but not all the way.

“We wish you a great success until the final and we hope that Ireland and the All Blacks will have a wonderful final,” he said.