Ireland claimed a historic victory against the All Blacks in Chicago two weeks ago and now all eyes are turning to Saturday’s rematch in the Aviva Stadium.
The visitors are out for revenge, while Joe Schmidt’s men want to prove it wasn’t a one-off win – the stakes are high.
And as anticipation builds, Aer Lingus and Air New Zealand are getting in the competitive spirit.
It started with a few cheeky digs …
Hey there @AerLingus! Time for the @AllBlacks vs @IrishRugby, round 2. Not sure how long your lucky shamrock will last! ☘ #AirlineChallenge
— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) November 16, 2016
Kia ora, @FlyAirNZ! Chicago had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with good prep! We’re ready! #AirlineChallenge
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) November 16, 2016
… and some boarding-pass banter …
.@AerLingus Maybe if the @AllBlacks win, we can give you a bit of a makeover? 😉 #AirlineChallenge #ProjectBlackout pic.twitter.com/h7Hen08lEb
— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) November 16, 2016
That's nice, @FlyAirNZ, but haven't you heard? Green is the new black! 😉 Remember, we’ve got #HomeAdvantage #AirlineChallenge pic.twitter.com/5kq5pjg8Tu
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) November 16, 2016
…escalated to the in-flight magazines …
.@FlyAirNZ We’ve done you a favour and designed a cover for your in-flight magazine – to be used if we win, of course! 😘 #AirlineChallenge pic.twitter.com/HFyYKLzSrT
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) November 17, 2016
.@AerLingus Let’s not forget about Cara magazine. Everyone will love it! 😎 #AirlineChallenge pic.twitter.com/CZaXr8aEwn
— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) November 17, 2016
… and has now gone as far as landscaping airports.
Let’s think bigger here, @FlyAirNZ. If you lose, we’d be happy to cut the grass at @AKL_Airport #AirlineChallenge pic.twitter.com/wWHOg87Lz3
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) November 17, 2016
We know all about gardening, @AerLingus. Perhaps we can do some at @DublinAirport if we win? #AirlineChallenge pic.twitter.com/yoiyrs3wce
— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) November 17, 2016
Maybe everyone needs to take a timeout and cool down.
If this is the banter between airlines, just imagine the intensity on the field.
Saturday’s game is going to be epic.
