DUBLIN, Thursday: U2 frontman Bono sought to fire up Ireland ahead of Sunday's Six Nations clash with England with a pep talk to the squad on what it means to be Irish.
Ireland's English coach Andy Farrell confessed to "being blown away" by the 59-year-old rock legend's pep talk at the team hotel on Tuesday. Bono, who says he is a rugby fan but prefers not to attend matches due to the noise his wife Ali makes, spoke for almost two hours -- one hour more than planned. Three of the starting XV hail from outside Ireland -- centre Bundee Aki from New Zealand and hooker Rob Herring and No 8 CJ Stander from South Africa. The latter, who has been named man of the match in both of Ireland's victories over Scotland and Wales, was especially impressed. The 29-year-old Munster star said Bono, whose hits include the 2000 number 'Beautiful Day', had given a "great response" when asked what Irishness was.
The 44-year-old former rugby league and union star had spoken proudly of true Irish grit getting them over the line in an edgy 19-12 opening victory over Scotland.
However, Farrell -- whose son Owen will captain England on Sunday -- said Bono had added an extra edge to the Irish identity.
– AFP
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