Munster honour Anthony Foley with Champions Cup win over Racing

Munster opened their Champions Cup pool campaign with a 28-21 victory over Racing 92 at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, marking the 10th anniversary of former captain and head coach Anthony Foley’s death.

The match, played on Saturday night, saw Munster score five tries to Racing’s three. Tries were recorded by Brian Gleeson, Shay McCarthy, captain Tadhg Beirne, replacement lock Fineen Wycherley and player‑of‑the‑match Craig Casey.

Racing took an early lead through a penalty by Antoine Gibert, but Gleeson equalised six minutes in, and McCarthy added a second try shortly after, giving Munster a 14‑3 lead at half‑time.

In the second half, Beirne scored close to the restart, extending the lead to 21‑6. Racing fought back with tries from Wilfried Hulleu and Diego Escobar, narrowing the gap to 21‑18.

Fineen Wycherley’s first‑touch try pushed Munster ahead to 28‑18, but Racing’s Joey Manu responded, making it a three‑point game. A late sin‑bin for Racing’s Arthur Roche helped Munster hold on for the win.

The occasion was marked by tributes to Foley, including a rendition of “There Is An Isle” led by opera singer Jean Wallace in his Shannon jersey, a minute’s applause from the 24,906 crowd, and the exchange of jerseys between captains Beirne and Maxime Baudonne.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Ollie Craig / Pexels.