In today's Paris quarter-final, Ireland recreated a touching moment by forming an eight during the All Blacks' Haka at Stade de France.
This gesture was reminiscent of their first time doing so, which was a tribute to the late Ireland legend and former Munster boss, Anthony Foley, seven years ago in Chicago.
It was on that historic night that the Irish team secured their first-ever victory against the All Blacks.
Sadly, Anthony Foley passed away in his sleep on October 16, 2016, while staying with the Munster squad at a hotel in the Paris suburb of Suresnes.
His untimely death was attributed to heart disease, leading to an acute pulmonary edema.
One fan wrote: "Ireland in the figure of 8 as they were in Chicago in 2016 in the memory of Anthony Foley."
Another said: "What a sight to see the Irish team in a figure of 8 standing tall against the All Blacks"
A this commented: "Axel Anthony Foley RIP 16 October 2016. No.8"
Nigel Owens ranks who is worst to referee between Biggar, Farrell and Sexton
Arguably, the three worst players to deal with these days are Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton.
Owens has had his say on all three, ranking them from worst to best.
#3. Owen Farrell (England)
Nigel Owens said: "I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
"I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
"I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that."
#2. Dan Biggar (Wales)
Owens said: "Oh god yes. He's so focused and so passionate about what he's doing, we've had a few run ins on the pitch down the years.
"I mean, it's always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game."
Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints kicks the penalty to take the lead during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
#1. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Owens on Sexton and Biggar: “I’ll tell you what, they’re probably the best two referees in the world, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton, because when you ref them they always think they know more than you!”
Andy Farrell, Head Coach of Ireland and Johnny Sexton, Captain of Ireland pose with the Guinness Six Nations trophy during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Media Launch at County Hall, Lambeth, London on Monday 23rd January 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
Owens also named the referee who would make the best player, as well as the referee who would make the worst player.
“Which referee fancies themselves as the best player? Well, that would be Nic Berry, because he played at the top level for Wasps and [Racing 92] as a very, very talented scrum-half and a very talented referee as well,” Owens said.
“I’ll tell you which referee wouldn’t make a talented player – Wayne Barnes!”
