Air New Zealand has poked fun at Irish fans with a mock pre-match 'safety tips' video, before the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup quarter-final with Ireland.
The video, which mimics an Air New Zealand pre-flight safety briefing, advises fans of Joe Schmidt's team that they can expect "some upcoming turbulence" at Tokyo Stadium on Saturday.
- Joe Schmidt says Ireland have lost the element of surprise against the All Blacks
- Coach Steve Hansen weighs in on All Blacks quarter-final selections
- Brodie Retallick returns for All Blacks quarter-final against Ireland
They are then told to fasten their seatbelts for the All Blacks' pre-match haka, "so they don't flee too early", while handheld electronic devices should be stored in pockets, to avoid being thrown at a screen.
Children should also be stowed away "in the event that language becomes colourful", while fans are advised to put their heads in their hands in the crouch position, if the All Blacks score an early try.
"Should those tries repeat, make your way to your nearest exit," the video continues, showin Irish fans fleeing for open doors and windows.
"Should the game go down to the wire, an oxygen mask will automatically drop down. Otherwise, please remain seated until your disappointment has come to a complete halt."
The video ends with the two flight attendants stating they looked forward to seeing "all our shamrock-loving friends again, in four more years", referring to the next World Cup.
But fans in New Zealand will hope the current prank does not backfire.
Before the 1999 Rugby World Cup, the airline, which has a long-standing relationship with New Zealand Rugby, painted the plane taking the team to the tournament in Britain with a picture of their front row.
The All Blacks lost in the semi-finals to France and the goodwill quickly evaporated - with some of the team's baggage having the word 'loser' scrawled across it on their return home to Auckland airport.
Essential Guide to 2019 Rugby World Cup
Everything you need to know about rugby and the World Cup...
The ninth Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 20 in Japan - the first time it has been hosted in Asia.
Join us for live updates of all Rugby World Cup quarter-finals next weekend.
Reuters
