Home > Rugby > Rugby Union > Munster run out of steam chasing another shock win over the All Blacks
by James Lawler on 20 November 2008
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For 75 minutes Munster believed that they had a chance of doing what the 1978 side did in beating the All Blacks.
But when Joe Rokocoko denied Ireland's top province the chance of history repeating itself, the 18-16 win for the All Blacks was one of their best performances - even though they had to fight hard for it.
Referee Romain Poite had an impressive game, letting it flow and allowing the teams to have the advantage. But one of his calls were a bit harsh when Munster centre Rua Tipoki was driven by the players from his own team and then fell off his feet.
I thought the crowd was quite incredible. They where silent for both of the goal kickers and they also cheered when the kicks went over. I imagine the silence was one of the reasons why Stephen Donald missed so many kicks. I guess he's used to more noise.
However, the game was something of a classic. In the first half Munster dominated possession. They were clinical at the breakdown and physical at scrum time, pushing the All Blacks back, something we don't see very often.
They were also good at getting the quick ball, keeping the All Blacks out of the game for long periods, and also good at keeping possession. Rua Tipoki was a big influence on the game, spreading the ball out wide and making sure that the All Blacks paid for their mistakes.
When the All Blacks did get the ball, they moved it well out wide but lacked significant finish. They kept the ball much better and for longer periods in the second half when their power began to tell and Munster were stretched in all aspects of the game. Fatigue set in and Munster were out on their feet at every stoppage, collapsing in a heap.
For the Munster public, nothing means more than beatiing the All Blacks. The atmosphere was superb, which makes me wonder why the IRB don't consider more of these midweek games. We might get the odd thrashing but they would be good for the game in Ireland.
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