Ireland were not going to be beaten on Saturday night.
With Anthony Foley looking down on them and Joe Schmidt providing the perfect gameplan, the warriors who took to the fittingly named Soldier Field this weekend simply refused to be beaten.
No better evidence of that mentality exists than the courageous catch from Simon Zebo on the hour mark of the Chicago clash against the All Blacks.
After just conceding two quickfire tries to a rallying New Zealand, it appeared as though the tide was turning in the favour of the heavy favourites.
This, from Simon Zebo, just summed up Ireland's mindset tonight. #IrlVNZ pic.twitter.com/MLUry8K1Ej
— Darragh Murphy (@DarrMurphy) November 5, 2016
Ireland desperately needed some respite and Conor Murray attempted to provide it via a box kick into the All Blacks half.
It seemed destined for a New Zealand hand but Zebo didn’t read that version of the script.
He leaped fearlessly through the air and pulled the hanging ball into his chest.
It didn’t lead to a score.
It didn’t even result in a period of prolonged possession.
But it perfectly summed up the mentality of this Irish team… Don’t give up. Because no matter how lost a cause might appear, you’ll never know unless you throw yourself at it.
Who are the winners of the much-coveted 2016 Wooly Awards? Find out in our GAA Hour Special
