There was an emotional reaction online last night as fans watched Munster beat Biarritz to claim their first Heineken Cup.
Sky Sports made the decision to replace the 2006 final in full following the untimely death of Munster head coach Anthony Foley at the weekend.
‘Axel’ was captain on that legendary day in Cardiff and fans loved the opportunity to relive the win and appreciate afresh Foley’s phenomenal contribution to Munster Rugby.
Incredible that a match from 10 years ago would be so emotional..but passion of #Munster players & fans from 2006 Final was unreal #RIPAxel pic.twitter.com/ilERx7f9z4
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) October 17, 2016
Just watching the replay of Munster's 2006 Final on SS5. Truly a game to encapsulate what made that team & #AnthonyFoley great. #family #rip pic.twitter.com/LbTarIWqJT
— PSAAcademies (@PSAAcademies) October 17, 2016
Axel Foley leadership after that Biarritz opening try in 06 is immense. Leadership and action. Foley in a nutshell. #RIPAxel
— Hawkeye Sidekick (@hawkeyesidekick) October 17, 2016
Just watched a repeat of the 2006 Heineken cup final - Munster v Biarritz - awesome rugby.
— Phil Hearne (@FalklandFisher) October 17, 2016
Anthony Foley - a Munster legend
Watching #Munster v #Biarritz in 06 HC Final on @SkySportsRugby & feel so privileged to have been there that day & see #AnthonyFoley triumph
— Sinead Ryan (@SineadRyPiano) October 17, 2016
Some took the opportunity to highlight the quality on offer in the old game in comparison to the much-hyped 0-0 draw on Sky Sports 1.
Munster vs. Biarritz rerun. Rugby gold. Players putting bodies on the line for their team and region. Compare with MNF game - discuss.
— Hawkeye Sidekick (@hawkeyesidekick) October 17, 2016
First half at Anfield big let-down unlike '06 Heineken Cup final now on @SkySports 5 Munster v Biarritz full-blooded & hard-nosed #RIPAxel
— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) October 17, 2016
But the overwhelming emotion was sadness at the terrible loss, and an appreciation of all that Foley achieved in his lifetime.
Sombre days for @Munsterrugby . But seeing @stringer9 's celebrations at fulltime v Biarritz in '06 just makes me so proud. #SUAF #RIPAxel
— Paul (@Hurlay1) October 17, 2016
Watching Munster's finest moment for such sad reasons is heartbreaking #Munster #RIPAxel #heinekenCupFinal06
— Marie (@marieeharnett) October 17, 2016
#RIPAxel #munster #RugbyFamily #AnthonyFoley 🍻🏉🍺💪 pic.twitter.com/56lkgakSbN
— John Roberts (@Robbo130) October 17, 2016
Watching the 06 Heineken Cup final on Sky Sports and Seeing #AnthonyFoley with his son on the pitch is just heartbreaking now.! #RIPAxel
— Karen McCarthy (@karenmccarthy2) October 17, 2016
In bits watching that 😢😢 #RIPAxel
— MunsterBecks (@Beckinder) October 17, 2016
A great man, gone too soon. #RIPAxel.
