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The 6 types of Irish rugby fan you'll meet in Cardiff this weekend

Thousands of Irish fans are heading to Cardiff again. Here’s who you’ll meet.

Ireland fans make there way through the Westfield Shopping Centre outside the Olympic Stadium James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

THIS IS THE big one.

When the Rugby World Cup pool draw was made all those many months ago, this showdown was circled in red on Irish fans’ Paul O’Connell calendars.

The Boys in Green face Les Bleus in Cardiff in a game that will decide if it’s the All Blacks next up in a quarter-final versus the far-more-appealing Pumas.

And thousands of us will be there to see this mouth-watering clash unfold in the familiar surrounds of the Millennium Stadium.

These are the types of fan you’ll meet around the Brewery Quarter before the game and in the stadium for Le Crunch.

1. The rugby nerd

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All that unseen work Jamie Heaslip does? This fan sees it.

This supporter knows they're stuff. He reads Whiff of Cordite and Demented Mole and recognises the difference between a second five eight and a centre. He'll quote Liam Toland's column back to you and Sky-plusses BOD's BT demos every Monday.

Most likely to say: "Did you hear Felipe Contempomi's at the Off The Ball thing on the O2 this week?"

2. The rugby hipster

2.-Stade-Francais Stade Francais: A popular choice.

Generally seen in the pub wearing an electric pink Toulouse jersey from the early 00s, this rugby fan likes nothing better than getting up at 4am to watch the ITM Cup in his retro Perpignan pyjamas.  He knows that U20s is where it's at, he knows all about Connacht's latest southern-hemisphere signing long before he touches down in Shannon and his weekend coupon depends on Crusaders beating the spread.

Most likely to say: "You'd want to see the batch of U20s the Boks have coming through."

3. The day tripper

Ireland fans before the game James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

This event junkie doesn't care if it's the Euros, the darts or a Take That gig at Croker... they'll be there in a leprechaun suits and novelty hat. Likes the rugby of course but the craic is the main focus for the day. You may recognise their funny pictures from your Facebook feed.

Most likely to say: 'Where are we meeting up afterwards?'

4. The auld lad

14836875_georgehook George Hook: Munster beat the All blacks in 1978, you know.

He's seen it all before. Brian O'Driscoll? Pfff... you should have seen Jack Kyle. Likely to be in the stadium early to watch the warm-up and read the programme. Staying in the same B&B he's frequented since the 70s.

Most likely to say: "It's nice... but the Cardiff Arms Park was bettter."

5. The die hard

Ireland fans James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

There’ll be a lot of bandwagoners on the streets of Cardiff this weekend... and hopefully London later in the tournament. But this fan deserves their seat. This supporter is all about the AIL, clicks through the turnstiles of Thomond or the RDS on a weekly basis and loves nothing more than a purple snack and Against The Head of a Monday night.

Most likely to say: "I saw Gallaimh on the ferry and he agreed with me on the lineout situation."

6. The wannabe ref

Ireland fans watch the game Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

FYI, this guy is going to sit behind you and shout 'In from the side' into your ear every two to three minutes. He likes to talk about the offside rule, crooked feeds at the scrum and is anxious to see players roll away.

Most likely to say: "Off this feet!". 

Did you know? Despite the fact that only 20 countries compete in the Rugby World Cup, it is broadcast to a massive 207 Nations from every corner of the globe! Check out more facts just like these along with amazing offers that will help you through those 80 minutes at our rugby hub on centra.ie.

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