Success hasn't always sat easily with Ireland says Peter Bills in the New Zealand Herald
"Ireland, ah Ireland. Instigators of the biggest upset to date in the Rugby World Cup this weekend and the biggest hangovers known to mankind for some of those celebrating.
"Had there ever been a rugby playing nation less suited to the rigours and demands of professional rugby? Was there ever a nation that so epitomised the fun and frivolity of the old amateur era?
"It is 41 years since Irish rugby enacted one of the funniest sights ever witnessed around the international game. Tony O'Reilly, seven years after what he thought had been his final appearance for his country, received a terse message as he entertained guests in a London nightclub, 48 hours before the 1970 England vs Ireland game.
"Injury crisis. Report tomorrow, 10am, training" it said. And so he did, in his own inimitable style. At the appointed hour, a Rolls Royce cruised through the gates. When it stopped, the chauffeur got out, collected a kitbag from the boot and handed it to O'Reilly as he stepped out.
Alas, O'Reilly was no longer the sleek athlete, as his teammates well knew. As he puffed his way around the training ground, lagging at the back with McBride, Willie John produced his great line. "Reilly, there'd be no point in yer doing all this trainin'. Get yer chauffeur to do it for yer."
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