Class.
It was a very special night at Thomond Park as Munster beat the Maori All Blacks by 27-14, and aside from the exceptional rugby that was on display, the match will live long in the memory for the special tribute that was paid to Anthony Foley before kick-off.
Tries by Niall Scannel, Ronan O’Mahony, a penalty try and a superb kick and chase from Darren Sweetnam were enough to secure the victory, but the moving tribute to the Munster and Ireland icon from the Maori All Blacks was truly special.
Prior to conducting their Haka, the Maori’s laid a jersey with the initials AF on the pitch. Captain Ash Dixon then presented it to Foley’s sons, Tony and Dan, following the Haka.
What a tribute from The Maori @AllBlacks as they remember Anthony Foley before the Haka #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/qFvvQdboY1
— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016
Wonderful moment post Haka as Tony & Dan Foley are presented with AF etched Maori jersey #MUNvMAB
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 11, 2016
This act of compassion, respect and love was seen all over the world and it has clearly moved everyone that witnessed it.
Another powerful memory to add to the collection in the mythical stadium. Well done MAB.Such class and respect. https://t.co/PWClzrQVbJ
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) November 11, 2016
Awesome touch from the Maori @allblack boys #anthonyfoley #MUNvMAB https://t.co/OYmu8yxTS1
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) November 11, 2016
#RESPECT. #MUNvMAB pic.twitter.com/46dyHSJTM9
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/ConorMurray_9/status/797200519500595200
WATCH | As the heavens opened up at @thomondstadium, the Maori All Blacks paid tribute to Anthony Foley during the Haka.#MUNvMAB #Respect pic.twitter.com/ducjG4aQue
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 12, 2016
👏 An incredible picture – Maori @AllBlacks captain Ash Dixon presents Anthony Foley's children with a jersey before their match with Munster pic.twitter.com/bo5xATLbt3
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) November 12, 2016
Beautiful tribute from the maori team 💪🏾🔴🔴
— Simon Zebo (@SimonZebo) November 11, 2016
Congrats @Munsterrugby what a victory! No doubt someone was looking down on the match with an enormous amount of pride #SUAF #16thman
— Paul (@paulmwarwick) November 11, 2016
What a lovely tribute by the Maori All Blacks , What a turn out by all the supports, Thanks for all the support #munster #maori pic.twitter.com/cBL0mj4nkH
— Ian Keatley (@iankeatley) November 12, 2016
Superb.
