Aer Lingus crew to wear All-Blacks jerseys after losing #AirlineChallenge with Air New Zealand

Ireland's clash with New Zealand yesterday was one the year's most anticipated games.

The rematch had Irish fans dreaming of beating the All-Blacks twice on the bounce but for the national airlines of both countries, the stakes were higher.

Some pre-match posturing saw Aer Lingus and Air New Zealand end up placing a wager on social media.

If Ireland won, cabin crew for Air New Zealand would have to wear the Irish kit on a flight and vice versa.

Ok, so we saw last year’s deal with @Qantas. We want to see a @FlyAirNZ crew in FULL @IrishRugby gear if we win! #AirlineChallenge #IREvNZL

— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) November 18, 2016

.@AerLingus And we want to see your cabin crew dressed head to toe in @AllBlacks gear if we win (again) #AirlineChallenge #IREvNZL

— Air New Zealand (@FlyAirNZ) November 18, 2016

.@FlyAirNZ Is that a deal, then? #AirlineChallenge #IREvNZL

— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) November 18, 2016

.@AerLingus Sweet as, it’s a deal then. See you on board. 😉 #AirlineChallenge

— Air New Zealand (@FlyAirNZ) November 18, 2016

Unfortunately for Aer Lingus (and, of course, Ireland) the All-Blacks came out on top leaving the Irish airline to suffer the forfeit.

As they say, a deal is a deal.

Congratulations @FlyAirNZ and @AllBlacks. A deal is a deal. #AirlineChallenge #IREvNZ pic.twitter.com/a6HcvQxwrH

— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) November 19, 2016

Today, an Aer Lingus crew on a flight from Dublin will be decked out in New Zealand jerseys.

The result may have been a disappointment but you have to credit both airlines for being such good sports.

READ MORE: Steve Hansen's post-match interview with RTE got a bit tetchy