U2 make incredible gesture to Ireland team ahead of Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand

BONO and U2 have urged Ireland to beat New Zealand in tonight's RWC Cup quarter-final.

Andy Farrell's side face the All-Blacks later tonight in Paris as they look to make the semi-final for the first time ever.

The game is the biggest in IRFU history with Ireland one of the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis trophy later this month.

Ireland must overcome the mighty All Blacks if they hope to keep that dream alive.

The teams first met in 1905 with 'The Original' All Black team beating Ireland 15–0 at Lansdowne Road.

Ireland endured a painful record against the New Zealanders until that was ended in 2016.

And ahead of the clash from their Las Vegas stage, U2 have wished Farrell's men all the best ahead of the clash.

Taking to Instagram, U2 frontman Bono said: "We’re playing support to the greatest band ever, from our stage in Las Vegas to your stage in Paris… 

"This is living. This is live. Come on Ireland!!!!! Together standing tall."

Ireland have a decent recent record against New Zealand.

Now All Blacks attacking coach Joe Schmidt led Ireland to a win as they ended a 111-Year wait at Soldier Field, Chicago, USA with a 40–29 win on 5 November, 2016.

Ireland's first test win on home soil was to come on 17 November 2018 after a 16-9 win over at the Aviva Stadium.

And it was to get better for Ireland when Andy Farrell took charge as they saw off the All Blacks in the 2021 Autumn Series with a 29–20 win at Aviva Stadium.

Ireland were to break more barriers last summer with their first ever test, and series wins on New Zealand soil.

Farrell's side became just the fifth touring side to achieve a series win in New Zealand, beating the All Blacks 22–32 in Wellington for a 2-1 series victory to record consecutive victories against New Zealand for the first time.

The two teams have played a total of 36 Test matches, with the All Blacks winning 30, Ireland winning 5, and 1 match drawn.

Ireland have won 5 of the last 8 games between the two nations, but the All Blacks sent Ireland crashing out of the 2019 Rugby World Cup after a 46-14 drubbing in Tokyo.

The Ireland team will be aiming to get past the last-eight for the first time ever against an All Black team that will be - for once - looking to upset the odds in the clash against Farrell's men.