Visit of the All Blacks - An occasion to celebrate

THE enduring romance and pride surrounding Munster’s victory over the All Blacks three decades ago are two of the essential elements in the great success enjoyed by the province today.

This evening history has a chance, however unlikely it seems, of being repeated. Saturday’s rout in Croke Park suggests that the gulf between the sides might be even greater than it was in 1978 though that will do nothing to dim the ambition of the European champions.

No matter what happens in Limerick all of the south of Ireland can celebrate. Remember, the rematch is to officially mark the opening of a great new stadium, one that will be stage to many more events destined to sustain the Munster psych. And, no matter what the result, let us hope we do not have to wait as long again for the next visit of our New Zealand friends.