AFTER THREE successive defeats at the hands of Argentina a win of any kind was most welcome.

BEFORE looking forward to what is the crucial game of the autumn series against Argentina tomorrow, it is important to reflect on New Zealand’s brief but electrically-charged visits to Croke Park and Thomond Park over the course of the last week.

THIS was supposed to be more about the occasion than the game. Yet what transpired was a contest that nobody could have anticipated.

FIRST you had the book, now the DVD. “Axel — Munster’s Heineken Cup Journey” has just been launched and relives the heartache and triumph of Munster’s quest for European glory through the eyes of the central characters, and highlights the immense contribution from its ever-present hero, Anthony Foley.

While Munster’s 1978 history-makers still leave off their defeat of the All Blacks 30 years ago, their legacy cast a giant shadow over those who followed. Like Donal Lenihan.

THERE IS something about the All Black jersey that immediately catches your attention.

WITH all the hype surrounding Munster’s game against New Zealand, it was interesting to watch their Magners League clash with Ulster on Saturday.

BOTH Tony McGahan and Michael Cheika can enjoy a brief period of positive reflection as the Heineken Cup takes a short hiatus until December. The events of last weekend in particular not only bode well for the two provinces but Irish rugby as a whole.

WITH Declan Kidney set to announce his squad for the autumn internationals on Wednesday, Irish rugby received a timely shot in the arm with two vintage performances from Munster and Leinster that rocked English premiership giants Sale and Wasps over the weekend.

SPEAKING to friends during the week about the appeal of the Heineken Cup, one of our party offered the opinion that the tournament had become a bit predictable and could do with a few surprises in the early rounds.