There’s something about Munster playing touring teams that not only excites, but brings an unrivalled energy to Limerick or Cork. Saturday night was no different as Munster and the All Blacks played out another epic battle that went down to the wire. Kini Naholo had his Joe Rockoko moment, as this fairytale result fell marginally outside of Munster’s grasp.
Here’s how we rated them on a spirited night in Limerick.
Munster player ratings
15. Mike Haley - 8
One of Munster’s most experienced men led from the back field. Mike Haley got another try under his belt but was at his very best across the 80, maintaining his great form.
2 November 2024; Mike Haley of Munster is tackled by Kini Naholo of All Blacks XV on the way to scoring his side's first try during the match between Munster and All Blacks XV at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
14. Shay McCarthy - 6.5
For an academy winger, you wouldn't have known. Young Munster RFC clubman McCarthy was his usual busy self throughout.
13. Tom Farrell - 7.5
Another try scorer, Tom Farrell is proving to be an excellent signing for Munster. The former Connacht centre added a new layer to their attack, and was in the middle of almost everything Munster did well.
12. Rory Scannell - 7.5
Like Farrell, this was a decent showing from Rory Scannell. He stood up proudly in defence, and had a tidy assist for Farrell’s try.
11. Diarmuid Kilgallen - 8
One of Munster’s debutants on the night, Kilgallen was also one of Munster’s best players. His powerful running style was a consistent threat going forward.
10. Billy Burns - 6
It wasn’t the best of nights for the Ireland international, albeit not a bad game by any stretch. However, with Rory Scannell assuming kicking duties, it could have been a niggle that held him back.
9. Ethan Coughlan - 6.5
Like Burns, it was a mixed bag for Coughlan. The Clare man was hurried and hassled by the All Blacks all night, but did well in one of his biggest games for the province yet.
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1. John Ryan - 5
Munster’s scrum was an issue throughout, but John Ryan was serviceable on his return to the loosehead side.
2. Diarmuid Barron - 7.5
It was a captain's performance from Barron in Limerick. Despite Munster’s ever-present set-piece issues, Barron was terrific in the loose exchanges.
3. Stephen Archer - 6.5
You can never fault the effort of “Archie” and after another 70 minute showing, despite some intense pressure, he deserved his standing ovation.
4. Fineen Wycherley - 8
There were shades of 2019 vs Leinster from Wycherley in this one. Like Ahern he didn’t shy away from the physicality, but rather ruffled some Kiwi feathers.
5. Tom Ahern - 8
We already knew that this Waterford man had a big future, and we saw it again. Ahern’s athletic ability around the park is unmatched, but his physicality across his hour showing was top notch.
6. Peter O’Mahony - 6.5
Munster needed a pace-setter on the night, and O’Mahony was one of many. The Irish centurion only played the opening forty, but was busy in those exchanges.
7. John Hodnett - 7.5
John Hodnett refuses to give in, and this game was another example. He was on the scoresheet with another try, and gave his all against a sturdy New Zealand.
8. Gavin Coombes - 7.5
Like his fellow West Cork colleague, Gavin Coombes is also relentless. He carried hard, tackled throughout, and led an undersized Munster pack to a solid performance.
Replacements - 9
Impact. Despite the youth of Ryan, Foxe, O’Connell, Quinn and Butler; these young lads grabbed this game by the scruff of the neck, like the Munster they grew up watching. Unfortunate to lose out, but an exciting cameo no doubt.
Munster will be annoyed not to cap a long week with a memorable win, but the main takeaway is the performances of their young players. With former academy manager Ian Costello now the interim head coach, there’s green shoots to keep the fans happy for sure.
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