19 Nov 2008

All Blacks escape at Limerick

10:58 am on 19 November 2008

The All Blacks have beaten Munster 18-16 at Limerick after trailing for most of the game.

The match started with a haka from Munster's New Zealand players, Doug Howlett, Rua Tipoki, Lifeimi Mafi and Jeremy Manning before the All Blacks' responded, then went straight onto attack.

Although Munster were missing their Ireland players they made most of the play after that and led 9-3 before a Stephen Donald try put the All Blacks ahead.

But inspired defense kept forcing All Black errors and the hosts hit back with a slick, set-piece try from right-winger Barry Murphy to lead `16-10 at half-time.

Their chances of emulating the 1978's side's win over Graham Mourie's Grand Slam-winning side

improved as the All Blacks wasted scoring chances.

But Munster finally wilted as All Blacks brought on fresh players and the left-wing Joe Rokocoko scored the winning try with a few minutes to go.