An All Blacks XV proved too strong for Munster as they won 38-24 in an exciting exhibition game at Thomond Park. The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd in Limerick. The All Blacks registered two late tries to stave off Munster and hold on for the victory.
After a dominant start by the visitors which resulted in two tries, Munster fought back to within two points at half-time. The two sides continued to trade scores in an enthralling second half.
Munster were playing their first game since head coach Graham Rowntree departed and were put under pressure early by the visitors. The first try did not arrive until 23 minutes however, with AJ Lam crossing from close range to open the scoring and Harry Plummer adding the extras from the tee. Five minutes later they extended their advantage as Chay Fihaki crossed out on the right-hand side, with Plummer converting.
Munster, who won 27-14 in the last meeting between the sides in 2016, weathered the storm and responded as Mike Haley got over the line after collecting a pass from Tom Farrell. Rory Scannell was off target with the conversion. They were then awarded a penalty try in the last action of the half after good work in the line-out and maul to bring them back to within touching distance of the All Blacks.
All Blacks captain Du'Plessis Kirifi thought he had added to his side's lead when he touched down on the left-hand side soon after the restart. The try was ruled out by the TMO after a knock-on in the build-up, but they weren't to be denied for long as Brodie McAlister touched down a third try after a driving maul. Plummer nailed his third successive conversion to stretch their lead.
Munster continued to fight back and got another try on 50 minutes with John Hodnett scoring after good work in the maul, but Rory Scannell was once again wayward with his kick. Quinn Tupaea crossed for the All Blacks' fourth try, although Plummer was off target with the conversion.
Munster replied through Tom Farrell, who dotted down after a quick break from Rory Scannell and Tony Butler added the extras. As they began to tire the All Blacks capitalised when Kini Naholo crossed on 76, with Plummer converting. Plummer then scored an interception try as the clock ticked into the red, adding the conversion too with the last action of the game.
Munster’s Struggle For Control
The All Blacks XV are playing a series of matches against various European sides in the Northern Hemisphere. This weekend an All Blacks XV face Munster in a clash designed for development and with that in mind, we have selected eight stars who will be looking to prove a point to their national selectors.
Finlay Christie
It seems a massive drop off for the livewire scrum-half who was a consistent selection in the Ian Foster era but can’t get much of a look in since Scott Robertson took over the All Blacks helm. Still, Christie brings great tempo to the attack through quick, sharp passes with a decent enough kicking game. Facing Munster in this environment could be just what he needs to play with a bit of freedom and express himself which is when he is at his best. Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima look to be locked in the pecking order but TJ Perenara is set to leave for Japan next year meaning there is a slot for the taking.
Harry Plummer
It is an interesting one; while much time and energy has been put into the underwhelming Damian McKenzie project at fly-half, Plummer has been stuck in the stands watching on. Of course, experience favours the Chiefs man but Plummer had a brilliant season with the title-winning Blues and just looks like a smooth operator who is never flustered. The Auckland star offers security in the fly-half channel and looks a decent fit for Test rugby. He will be wise to the fact that there are still question marks over the All Blacks’ best 10 so a strong outing this weekend could influence Razor to roll the dice later on in the tour – game on for Plummer.
Quinn Tupaea
At the end of 2022, the centre looked like he was going to march into the World Cup year as the All Blacks‘ incumbent 12 and push for a really big year in his career. That was until that horrific Darcy Swain cleanout robbed Tupaea of an entire year of rugby. It is amazing to see his name back on a teamsheet after having to learn to run all over again let alone play rugby. Jordie Barrett may be entrenched in 12 shirt but the Chiefs man will be desperate to show his brutal class again. All rugby fans loved seeing his inclusion in this line-up.
Shaun Stevenson
New Zealand’s nearly man. Stevenson despite some electric attacking form has been sitting on the fringes for a long time, with his defence the major drawback of his game. That and Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett and Stephen Perofeta don’t help much. The funny thing is that Stevenson will likely have a stormer and score at least one try in this clash against Munster but it still won’t be enough to get him into the full All Blacks squad. Still, he will play with freedom and his former coach Clayton McMillian from the Chiefs will know exactly how to get the most out of him.
Ruben Love
The new Christian Cullen. Well, at least that is what has been said about the Hurricanes full-back who is blessed with the natural ability to beat players at will. There is no doubt Love has massive potential and will add to his sole Test cap. Named on the bench for this one behind Stevenson but probably higher than the Chief in the overall pecking order, still it gives Love a chance to come for a sharp and electric cameo at the backend of the game. Expect him to be a very lethal player when he takes to the pitch.
Peter O’Mahony
The veteran flank’s Test career is in a precarious state given his 35-year-old tag and slightly unlucky run with injuries. It feels like a natural succession has taken place with the Irish captaincy in the hands of Caelan Doris now. However, that does not mean O’Mahony will take it lying down; you don’t get the nickname ‘War God’ without being an absolute competitor. The Irish centurion returns from injury and his goal will be to make it through the game unscathed while reminding everyone that he still has some time in him at the highest level. We get the feeling it is a critical game for O’Mahony regarding where his career goes from here.
John Hodnett
We go from one man who is slowly falling out of the system to one who never got the chance to get into it. You have to feel for the flank who has been a consistent warrior in Munster red for years now and it was expected after that titanic match-winning performance in the URC final a couple of seasons ago he would get the nod for Ireland, but it was not to be. In typical Hodnett fashion, he will just stick his head down and go about his work with little fuss or noise. Expect the flank to put in a tireless shift as he too tries to issue a reminder of his quality.
Billy Burns
It is very early days in the fly-half’s Munster career but this already feels like a massive game. The reality is that Burns sits behind Jack Crowley for club and behind even more players for country. Age is not his side as a 30-year-old so there is a sense it is now or never for the pivot. Big game for Burns.
The Importance of This Match
Munster and the All Blacks XV have named their teams for this weekend’s clash at Thomond Park, with over 26,000 fans set to be at the stadium. The game is a chance for players on both sides to stake their claim for a place in their respective national teams. For the All Blacks XV, it is a chance to continue their development and build momentum heading into the Rugby World Cup.
For Munster, the game is an opportunity to show their resilience after the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree. Rowntree’s departure came as a shock to the players, but they have rallied behind their new captain, Diarmuid Barron, and are determined to put on a good show for their fans. Munster will be looking to draw inspiration from their past successes against the All Blacks, including their famous 12-0 win in 1978. The game is sure to be a tense and exciting affair, with both sides eager to come out on top.
The game is a chance for these players to show what they can do on the international stage and to make a statement to their national selectors. With so much at stake, this weekend’s clash between Munster and the All Blacks XV is sure to be a thrilling encounter.
A Moment to Remember
For Munster, and for Barron as much as anybody, this week has been tinged with sadness. But for him, and them, there would be no better way of demonstrating their gratitude to their former boss than putting on a show this evening. Munster will be looking to show their resilience after the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree. Rowntree’s departure came as a shock to the players, but they have rallied behind their new captain, Diarmuid Barron, and are determined to put on a good show for their fans.
The match against the All Blacks XV is sure to be a memorable one, with both sides looking to make a statement. For the All Blacks XV, it is a chance to continue their development and build momentum heading into the Rugby World Cup. For Munster, it is an opportunity to show their resilience and to honour their former head coach.
