Field of dreams for Irish rugby - Defeat of the All Blacks

IRELAND’S historic win over New Zealand in Chicago was a momentous occasion in more ways than one. After 111 years of trying, the national team finally beat the All Blacks and they did it thoroughly and deservedly.

The victory was also a fitting tribute to the Munster coach Anthony Foley, who died tragically and unexpectedly three weeks ago in Paris.

He must have been smiling down on his rugby colleagues as they responded to the traditional and fearsome pre-match All Blacks haka by forming a silent and solemn figure of eight in his honour.

Perhaps his father Brendan was also watching, and remembering being on the Munster team that beat New Zealand in 1978.

Considering the emotion still raw from his unexpected death, there was always the fear in advance of the game that Munster members of the team might have been overwhelmed by grief. In fact, they, along with their fellow team members, seemed spurred to outperform even the most optimistic expectations. They fought not just for Ireland but for Axel.

Despite being the underdogs against the hitherto unassailable All Blacks, they triumphed with both style and substance.

Saturday was a great day to be Irish, whether in the field of dreams in Chicago or at home in Ireland.

The Irish Examiner salutes our heroes.