Maori lose on field but win Irish hearts
IN any sport there are turning points or moments that stand still in time.
Some resonate more than others. Some even reach outside the bubble to tug at heartstrings. The gesture from New Zealand Maori to honour late Munster icon Anthony Foley prior to the loss in Limerick was one of those. It struck an emotive chord, and may live longer in memories than the match itself.
Sure Munster paid their own tribute and will fondly recall the fully deserved 27-14 victory, one that adds to their rich history and the 1978 triumph over the All Blacks. Indeed, it capped a truly special week for Irish rugby, coming on the back of their first win in 111 years against the All Blacks in Chicago.
But instances like Maori captain Ash Dixon presenting Foley’s two sons with a jersey bearing their father’s initials puts rugby, and results, firmly in perspective.
The warm, appreciative applause said everything.
What will Foley’s sons remember more in 10, 20 years from now? Munster’s win or the jersey gesture?
Foley, a much-loved Irish No 8, played 13 years for Munster and coached the proud province from 2014 until his sudden death from cardiac problems last month at the team’s hotel in Paris. He was just 42.
His father was part of that Munster team who knocked over the All Blacks.
Handing a jersey over seems simple enough but, given the context, it’s a reminder of the spirit rugby should always strive to embrace, uphold, but is often lost in the professional arena where marketing departments and cliches have forged an overbearing presence.
Genuine respect, like that shared behind closed doors with a beer in the sheds at all levels of the game, is an important tradition. Here it was being displayed in spades, encapsulating the spirit of the past week between New Zealand and Ireland.
Graciousness has been the overwhelming sentiment emanating from the All Blacks’ camp after their shock loss. That was surprisingly reflected from the New Zealand public, too. No usual hand-wringing. Empathy flowed for what Joe Schmidt’s men finally achieved.
If anyone had to halt the All Blacks’ record 18-match unbeaten run, most Kiwis were glad it was Ireland.
Schmidt and his men were too busy celebrating their victory to rub it in New Zealanders’ faces, as other nations have fleetingly done previously.
That’s just one of the reasons it’s been impossible over this past week not to fall for the Irish game. The romance; the passion; the heart – what’s not to love?
On a miserable night, where kids in the stands wore red balaclavas, locals sold-out Thomond Park and gave another lesson in how to support your team. It mattered not Munster fielded a second-string side, nor the game itself featured frequent handling errors in difficult conditions. The crowd, silent during kicks at goal, roared their men home, just as they did in Chicago.
New Zealanders can be guilty of holding insular views of the world game at times. We often don’t give the opposition enough respect. That comes with being top of the tree for so long. But Irish rugby has taught us plenty these last seven days.
Their aggression at the breakdown, well constructed rolling mauls, hunger to contest high balls and physicality in the contact have all caused multiple problems.
Other than Akira Ioane, with his big right-hand fend, power and pace, some nice option-taking from Otere Black and tireless efforts from Shane Christie, few Maori players enhanced their credentials in the push for higher honours.
This was a wake-up call after steamrolling a heavily-weakened USA team last week.
But as time passes, other tours commence and individual assessments fade, the black jersey with ‘‘AF’’ emblazoned on the back will stand still in time.