After New Zealand crushed Ireland’s dream of Rugby World Cup glory, there is now only one team from the northern hemisphere still in the competition. 

This Saturday, England will take on South Africa in the semi-finals and the winner will play Argentina or the All Blacks. 

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, columnist Jim White urged supporters of Ireland, Wales and Scotland to “put aside old divisions and summon the spirit of the Lions in the hope of halting southern hemisphere superiority”. 

Speaking to The Hard Shoulder, commentator George Hamilton admitted he was tempted by the idea. 

“The passion is stirring, the rugby is great and there’s only one northern hemisphere team left,” he said. 

“I am fighting hard urges to be my usual ‘Anybody But England’ self.” 

Bonjour Paris 👋

Heading over to support us on Saturday? 🇫🇷

Here's everything you need to know about the city ⬇️ #ENGvRSA | #RWC2023

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 17, 2023

Although Ireland and England supporters usually have a fierce rivalry, Mr Hamilton said there was “one very good reason” why it should be temporarily set aside. 

“Fifty-years-ago on Saturday February 10th, when the England rugby team was led out by John Pullin into Lansdowne Road to a standing ovation,” he said. 

“The previous year, at the height of the Troubles, Scotland and Wales had refused to travel to Dublin - but England came. 

“They played that day, the crowd offered them the utmost respect.

“The Irish team didn’t, they beat them 18-9 but England got a long standing ovation for being there. 

“That night… John Pullin remarked in his speech, ‘We may not be the greatest team in the world but at least we turn up.’”

England take on South Africa on Saturday at 8pm Irish time and Mr Hamilton said he hoped it would be a “great rugby match”.

You can listen back here:

Main image: Fans and Supporters of England during the Rugby World Cup France 2023. Picture by: Orange Pics BV/Alamy Live News