Munster to host Wallabies

TONY McGAHAN’S Munster will host Australia in another November night to remember later this year.

The Wallabies have confirmed they will visit Thomond Park for a midweek fixture on November 16 as part of their autumn tour to the northern hemisphere.

The confirmation is another major coup for Munster rugby, which has been attempting to replicate the financial and feel good effects of the match against the All Blacks in November 2008.

The fixture is a financial fillip too for the cash-strapped ARU – it could clear up to €700,000 from the clash with Munster, which is guaranteed to be a 26,000 sell-out.

And it will be a welcome home of sorts for legendary Munster player, captain and coach Jim Williams, now assistant to Robbie Deans with Australia.

“It will be a huge night,” said Williams. “Knowing the passion the people of Munster have for the game, and how they get behind their team, it’s going to be a massive match for us.

“Matches against international sides are rare for club teams these days, and you saw what it meant to Munster two years ago when they last had the opportunity to play an international side. They led the All Blacks until late in the game before going down 18-16. That was a cracking game. The atmosphere inside Thomond Park looked incredible, and it surely lifted the players, as it will again when we play there. Munster has great depth.”

Australia coach Robbie Deans is content to play the extra midweek encounters, as they enable him to evaluate the younger talent in his squad.

“The additional non-Test matches that we have played on our last two northern hemisphere tours have been of great benefit to Australian Rugby, in terms of exposing players, and we expect this trip to be no different,” said Deans.

“To play Munster – one of the true powerhouses of the European game – will be a great experience for our players, while providing an excellent development opportunity.”

Munster coach McGahan insisted it was a huge tribute to his team’s standing in world rugby that international teams were lining up willing to play the Irish province.

“I believe it’s a great tribute to Munster that the Wallabies have agreed to extend their travel to include this fixture.”

Tickets for this fixture will be available at a later date but will initiallybe sold through the Munster clubs and the Munster Rugby Supporters Club.

Details of Munster v Qantas Wallaby ticket information will be carried on www.munsterrugby.ie.