Rassie Erasmus: ‘I think my heart is turning Irish’

Something special is happening in Munster, forged from the sorrow of Anthony Foley’s untimely death.

Last Friday’s rousing defeat of the Maori All Blacks, a first defeat on tour for the tourists from New Zealand since 2003, was further proof the Munster players are not wallowing in self-pity at the loss of their head coach on October 16, but dedicating themselves to honouring Axel’s legacy with some firebrand rugby and total commitment.

Since Foley died, Munster have won three games from three, trouncing Glasgow the following Saturday, blanking high-flying PRO12 rivals Ospreys and then cowing a Maori side packed with future New Zealand Test stars.