Rory Best: Ireland’s Victory Over Germany Will ‘Inspire’ Rugby Team

Rory Best says that watching the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland earn historic Euro 2016 victories last night was “very inspirational” to the Ireland rugby team.

The latter face a massive Pool D clincher against France in the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff on Sunday.

While the Republic were beating world champs Germany in Dublin to set up a crucial final game in Warsaw on Sunday, the North were securing qualification for the first time by beating Greece 3-1.

“We were sort of watching both of them and to to qualify for France was brilliant, it was great to see them get across the line,” said Best.

“It was very inspirational for us to watch both games and hopefully the Republic go to Poland and get the point they need.”

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt admits he was absorbed in the battle at the Aviva Stadium.

“Yes I was, it was superb effort, Shane Long’s first touch and finish were exceptional,” said Schmidt.

“You have to take your hat off to it and it would be great to have a genuine super Sunday for Irish sport.

“Martin O’Neill will be delighted but I know he will already be turning the page and looking at beating Poland.”

With Ireland facing a tough test against France on Sunday, Joe Schmidt announced his starting fifteen today.

Source: Irish Mirror