New Zealand's players applaud as Ireland's fly-half Jonathan Sexton leaves the pitch following Ireland's defeat in the France 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. Photograph: Emmanuel Dunand/Getty Images
Above all else, Ireland must keep playing under the mind-bending pressure New Zealand will apply in Chicago.
I am back in the Windy City this weekend as one of the pint-swilling punters Paul O’Connell used to envy as the team bus turned down Lansdowne Road.
Match day nerves can be horrible.
Retiring from your chosen profession at 36 is challenging, yet it does provide some benefits. I walked Royal Portrush last Tuesday, even managed to birdie the 1st and par the 18th.
I do miss the precious moments after a big win, especially inside the changing-room, but the nausea before games and numbness after a loss? Good riddance.
It is two years since Sam Whitelock won the penalty that ended our World Cup quarter-final in Paris.
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