Crowe in testy red carpet exchange

A clueless Irish reporter has attempted to get one up on Russell Crowe in a brief but testy interview about the differences between rugby league and rugby union.

Crowe can be seen fighting to restrain his famous temper as the red carpet interview becomes more and more awkward with each follow-up question.

The actor and part owner of the NRL’s South Sydney Rabbitohs was attending the premiere of his new film Noah in Dublin overnight when he was approached by MailOnline reporter Niamh Walsh, the Independent reports.

The Oscar winner was asked if he would bring his footy team to the Emerald Isles to take on the Irish rugby team.

Crowe tried to explain that his team played rugby league, which is a different game to rugby, but the stubborn reporter refused to abandon the question.

"I know but just as a kind of a test match just to get the two loves together," she said.

"You understand when I say it's a different sport," Crowe replied.

"Rugby union is a 15-man sport. Rugby league is a 13-man sport. Totally different rules."

Clearly annoyed at being shown up, the reporter went on the offensive and pointed out one of Crowe's own mistakes.

"Well you said you were in the UK. Actually Ireland isn’t part of the UK," Walsh says.

"You said you love to come to the UK so..."

Crowe then said that he added “or this area of the world” before storming off.

But the clash did not end there with Walsh later tweeting "at least I know geography ... Ireland is not in the UK. #fearlessjourno".

The post prompted a hilarious reply from Crowe, who called the journalist a “plonker”.

"Fearless journo my ass. You're just a plonker who didn't get the answer you'd predetermined & you got shirty.fail."

In another tweet a short time later the Gladiator actor defended his geographical knowledge.

"I know Ireland is a sovereign nation. You can imply I don't love Ireland but it won't stick, love the place, love the people."

Source: Independent

Author: Martin Zavan, Approving editor: Matthew Henry