Triggering the Thomond frenzy

ONE EVENING, while I was relaxing at home on my couch, I got a phone call out of the blue from Rua Tipoki. We had never set foot on the pitch together, but mutual respect meant we often consulted each other for an opinion. Munster were to play the All Blacks in about a week and rumours were flying that a Red Haka would take place.

Rua was ringing around some of the older players and former players, wondering if some Munster tradition would be offended by a Maori war cry on the province’s behalf. On the contrary, there was approval all round. Traditions change, and new ones are being created all the time.

The All Blacks Munster reunion is now etched in history. From the moment the Munster Kiwis stepped forward for their ceremonial war cry, everyone in the new stadium knew something special was in the offing. The next 80 minutes was Thomond Park magic at its best. Only for a last ditch effort by the All Blacks, we could have been celebrating a victory to rival 1978.