Four-try Munster thump Maori All-Blacks

MUNSTER scored another famous win over a touring side at Thomond Park when thumping a fancied Moari All-Black outfit 27-14 in wet conditions on Friday night.

The sell-out attendance of 25,600 lapped it up as Munster scored four tries in becoming the second Irish side to stun New Zealand opposition in the space of just six days following the national side’s historic first ever win over the All-Blacks in Chicago last weekend.

Famous win for Munster at Thomond Park, 27-14 v Maori All-Blacks. Second Irish win over Kiwi opposition in 6 days! #MUNvMAB

— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) November 11, 2016

Among the highlights on a memorable night was a touching presentation of a New Zealand jersey with the initials ‘AF’ on the back by Maori All-Blacks captain Ash Dixon to Anthony Foley’s sons Tony and Dan before kick-off.

What a tribute from The Maori @AllBlacks as they remember Anthony Foley before the Haka #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/qFvvQdboY1

— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016

Really moving moment before kick-off as Maori All-Black captain Ash Dixon presented New Zealand jersey to Anthony Foley's sons Tony & Dan

— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) November 11, 2016

Munster played the wet and windy conditions much better than their opponents, winning the collisions, bossing the breakdown and benefitting from an accurate kicking game.

First half tries from Niall Scannell, Darren Sweetnam and a penalty try helped Munster into a 17-14 half-time lead, a strong position given the strength of the breeze the home side played into during the opening period. James Lowe and Ambrose Curtis had touched down for the Maoris.

A 43rd minute penalty goal from Ian Keatley helped Munster into a 20-14 lead. Despite dominating long periods of the second half both in terms of possession and territory, it wasn’t until winger Ronan O’Mahony touched down in the 68th minute that the home side sealed a deserved victory.

FT: Munster 27-14 Maori All Blacks! What a night for @Munsterrugby at Thomond Park! #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/CfPIwXpujR

— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016

FT | Congratulations to @Munsterrugby who take the 27 - 14 win over the #MaoriABs. An incredible contest between the two sides.#MUNvMAB pic.twitter.com/zmi2S1DcT7

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 11, 2016

Munster: Tries: Niall Scannell, Darren Sweetnam, Ronan O’Mahony, penalty try. Cons: Ian Keatley (2). Pen: Ian Keatley. Maori All Blacks: Tries: James Lowe, Ambrose Curtis. Cons: Otere Black (2)

Munster: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, Jaco Taute (John Foley ’75), Rory Scannell, Ronan O’Mahony (Alex Wootton ’75); Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin (Peter McCabe ’25), Niall Scannell (Rhys Marshall ’61), Stephen Archer (Brian Scott ’73); John Madigan (Sean O’Connor ’59-‘61), Darren O’Shea; Tommy O’Donnell, Conor Oliver, Robin Copeland.

Maori All Blacks: Marty McKenzie (Jason Emery ’63); Ambrose Curtis, Matt Proctor, Tim Bateman, James Lowe; Otere Black (Ihaia West ’58), Billy Guyton (Brad Weber ’48); Kane Hames (Leni Apisai ’71), Ash Dixon, Ben May (Marcel Renata ’75); Leighton Price (Whetu Douglas ’48), Jacob Skeen (Leighton Price ’58); Reed Prinsep, Shane Christie (Kara Pryor ’71), Akira Ioane.

Referee: Craig Maxwell Keys (England).