Munster came within four minutes of repeating their 1978 upset win over the best team in the world but for those present, and especially the visiting journalists in the crowd, the result mattered little to an occasion Kiwi writers have been drooling over.

Articles popped up in the New Zealand sports pages in the days after the historic occasion, and the visiting New Zealanders were fulsome in their praise of the Irish province and their fans in particular.

‘There would have been no blushes in defeat because there would have been no embarrassment in losing to the inspired, electrified, relentless, passionate and ultimately magnificent team of Munster men on this unforgettable Autumn night’ Martin Moody wrote.

‘This was one of those sporting occasions which transcends a game and makes bolder statements about humanity. That sounds a tad pretentious but its not. This match was that special. As a Kiwi-probably one of only 500 in the 26,000 strong crowd- I was honoured to be present at such an event and deeply moved by the respect the Munster crowd showed for the All Blacks, for my country and for the game of rugby. Take heed all ye around the world who care about this beautiful game. Let us praise Munster rugby and lets begin with the fans’ Phil Gifford of the New Zealand Sunday Star wrote.

‘It wasn’t just the white hot fervour of the crowd in Limerick that impressed. Even more stunning was church service silence that descended whenever a kick at goal was attempted. If there was ever a sepia toned reminder of just how refreshing good sportsmanship is ,look no further than the Munster crowd. As for the game I believed the withdrawal of 10 Irish squad members from the team would wreck what should have been a stunning occasion. Whoops for my money it was the game of 2008.The supposed second string Munster team showed the courage and desire of their predecessors in 1978 and came within minutes of repeating that historic victory. No surprise they are Kings of Northern Hemisphere rugby with this passion dwarfing the resources of the powerhouses of English and French club rugby’ he continued.

Finally Keith Quinn of the New Zealand Sunday News added ‘When do you rate a a game of rugby as one of the best you’ve ever seen? For this writer the Munster V New Zealand game is now up their with the very best of all time. The game had everything-drama and sadness in the lead up days, a surprise Haka, thrilling action at high speed throughout, the hint of defeat for the All - Blacks, superb crowd singing, great crowd loyalty ,there was the hint of a scrap between the front rows and even a little bit of earthy whistling at the referee. At the end I feel sure most of the Kiwi’s present though delighted that the young All -Black team had made it through to win 18-16, would not have cared one jot if Munster had been the victors. It was that kind of night. Right up there with the best live sport can offer’ he wrote.

High praise indeed from the land where rugby is number one !!

BY BALLOT OR GUN OUR DAY WILL COME

where apples still grow in november
where blossoms still bloom from each tree
where leaves are still green in november
its then that our land will be free
i wander her hills and her valleys
and still through my sorrows i see
a land that has never known freedom
and only her rivers run free

i drink to the death of her manhood
those men who rather have died
than to live in the cold chains of bondage
to bring back there rights were denied
oh where are u now when we need u
what burns were the flame used to be
are u gone like the snow of last winter
and will only our rivers run free

how sweet is the life but we're crying
how mellow the wine but its dry
how fragrent the rose but its dying
how gentle the breeze but it sighs
what good is in youth when its aging
what joy is in eyes that cant see
when theres sorrow in sunshine and flowers
and still only our rivers run free