Munster squeezed past Ulster by a point this evening thanks to a superb second half comeback and also perhaps thanks to a few youths outside who let off a firework at an opportune moment. (That's ageism. We've no way of knowing the age of the noisemakers.)
It was a very dramatic finish and a tough loss for Ulster. They'd committed beforehand to having a post-match drink with the Munster players in the away dressing room.
In the amateur era, it was once relatively common for opposing players to socialise in one or other of the dressing rooms after the game.
Niall Woods once told Balls.ie that he walked into the French dressing room after a Five Nations game in 1995 and could barely see in front of him with all the fag smoke wafting around the place.
Anthony Foley, incidentally, would have played in that match. In the place where the Ulster and Munster players shared a few beers/protein shakes tonight, there is a plaque honouring the Munster great.
Great to have this fitting tribute from @UlsterRugby in our changing room. Close to our hearts #Axel #RugbyFamily pic.twitter.com/87s7IJHZHD
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 28, 2016
@UlsterRugby - a classy squad joining us in our changing room post-match with the offer of a few ?'s & kind words. #ULSvMUN #RugbyFamily
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 28, 2016
Speaking to Murray Kinsella of The42.ie after the game, Rassie Erasmus praised the Ulster players for coming in and sharing a drink with their opponents.
I have so much respect for Irish people from the last two weeks. I always had respect for them, but I just couldn’t believe the way they stand for each other here.
Les Kiss confirmed that they had committed to having a drink with their opponents after the game tonight and that it was done in order "to respect and order Axel."
