All Blacks to face Irish nemesis Munster

[Thequeerone]

The All Blacks will play a midweek match against Doug Howlett's Munster during their end of season grand slam tour.

It is 30 years since the 1978 Munster side famously knocked over the men in black, and confirmation of the big rematch marks a day of double celebration for the Irish club.

Doug Howlett and his men have secured a place in the Heineken Cup final against Byron Kelleher's Toulouse side. The 18-16 win over Saracens set off celebrations that could continue for months to come with confirmation today that Munster will host the All Blacks in November.

The midweek fixture has been added to the All Blacks' end of season tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Munster's 12-0 triumph...

The win has become part of Munster rugby folklore, and the significance of the fixture is not lost on the younger breed...

"Whenever you go to Ireland that's the one they talk about obviously," says All Black captain Richie McCaw. "It's a pretty famous sort of game. I don't think many people wouldn't know about it."

For the class of 2008, it will provide some added challenges.

"We'll probably have to change all the moves because Dougie will probably know them inside out, so it'll be interesting to see," says All Black Kevin Mealamu.

But for ex-All Black Andy Haden, who was there in 1978, the passion and intensity of the occasion will only benefit the All Blacks involved.

"It'll equip them well for games that happen in more important occasions, like world cup quarter-finals, or semi-finals."

[shasta]

"It'll equip them well for games that happen in more important occasions, like world cup quarter-finals, or semi-finals."

Or they could choke and Douggie can tell 'em "30 more years boys. 30 more years".

[The InnFORCEr]

Those Irish (Munster Men) are so proud of that victory in 78 that the scoreboard has never been changed!!

[jono]

good on em.
thats going to be a good match!

[blueandblack]

Carn Munster!

* struts around in Cork jersey *

[ozhammy]

Hope the rest of the Munster men are recovered for this game, team coach and video analyst made the team against Ulster!! Times are bad!! Come on Munster!!

Stand up for the Ulstermen

[Darren]

[Thequeerone]

Honestly should be a good game - the Munstermen have nought to loose - they are a team - they are being coached by the next Irish Coach - the only fly in the ointment is that munster don't play ELVs.