This clip is of the opening of the Rugby World Cup match between Australia and Ireland in Auckland on Saturday 17 September 2011.The teams enter led by their flag bearers and then two anthems are sung, the Australian National Anthem and then a stirring song specially commissioned by the Irish Rugby Union, Ireland’s Call.
The Irish Rugby Union is drawn from the three provinces of the Republic (Leinster, Munster and Connacht Branch) and the United Kingdom Province of Ulster. That is why they were led into the arena by two flagbearers.
At events outside of Ireland neither Amhrán na bhFiann, the anthem of the Republic of Ireland, nor God Save The Queen are played. Ireland’s Call is now also used in other athletic competitions where there is an all-Ireland team, including cricket and athletics.
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The first verse and the chorus are sung:
Come the day and come the hour
Come the power and the glory
We have come to answer our country's call
From the four proud provinces of Ireland
Ireland, Ireland
Together standing tall
Shoulder to shoulder
We'll answer Ireland's call
Ireland's rousing 15-6 win puts them at the top of the table. Warm congratulations to the Irish. (This was from the Fox Sports transmission)