When Ireland played New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal, Ireland replied to the All Blacks haka with a figure-eight in a tribute to Anthony Foley. The game was played two days before the anniversary of Foley's death, in the city where he sadly passed away, so it was fitting and emotional tribute. It was also a callback to Ireland's first victory over the All Blacks in 2016. Here's what we wrote that day.
Ireland's game against the All Blacks at Soldier Field was their first test match since the death of Anthony Foley.
There was a moment's silence for the Munster head coach held before kick-off.
Also in tribute to Foley, as the Irish team faced the Haka from the All Blacks, they lined out in a figure-of-eight formation in tribute to the 62-cap international.
Eight was the number worn by Foley throughout both his Munster and Ireland career.
Figure of 8 for #Axel vs All Blacks spearhead haka pic.twitter.com/NBq4D1IPuC
— Cian Murtagh (@cianmnews) November 5, 2016
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
