Ireland faced the All-Blacks on unfamiliar terrain on Saturday — Chicago’s Solider Field.
As exciting a prospect as the game was, recent events have put rugby into perspective for all of those who love the game.
Last month, beloved former rugby player and Munster coach Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley was found dead long before his time, and the outpouring of emotion that has followed his passing is a glowing testament to a man that was respected by everyone who knew him.
That respect extended as far as the United States where Foley was remembered ahead of the match. His likeness was emblazoned on a big screen and what had been intended as a moment of silence quickly became a moment of applause in celebration of the man.
Applause for Anthony Foley at Soldier Field pic.twitter.com/KOfScSbz2g
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) November 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/popcornhack/status/794991543790825473
Ireland also faced the Haka in a figure eight, in memory of Foley’s jersey number. Genuine class.
The haka… Caught by thousands of phones. Ireland in a figure 8 formation to match the arrow pic.twitter.com/I1a8IFJeRV
— Tom Hamilton (@tomhamiltonespn) November 5, 2016
