Munster saw off the touring Maori All Blacks by a score of 27-14 in front of a sellout crowd in Limerick.
Thomond Park played host to a pulsating encounter which featured spells of champagne rugby from both sides, with Munster in particular showing a creative spark and flair which one might more closely associate with their opposition.
After an emotional haka, which saw the Maoris honour the late Anthony Foley, Munster hit the front as hooker Niall Scannell drove over the Maoris' whitewash.
TRY Munster!
Munster 5-0 Maori AB. What a start. Niall Scannell drives over! #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/l6iVz6cJTP— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016
The visiting side hit back in true style, with two quickfire scores which left Munster trailing 14-5 as they battled against the Thomond wind. The second, finished by right-wing Ambrose Curtis, arrived straight from kick-off following their first score.
TRY Maori's!
Munster 5-7 Maori AB. That is brilliant from the visitors. #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/P2Fw1mzYcS— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016
TRY Maori's!
Munster 5-14 Maori AB! A sensational try straight from the kick-off. #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/AYmNFiwVLG— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016
Munster, however, responded with a penalty try after Rory Scannell was tackled off the ball as he braced to pounce on a loose ball beyond the Maoris' tryline. It was a bizarre but deserved score, less than three minutes after the Maoris had moved two scores in front.
TRY Munster!
Munster 12-14 Maori AB. Penalty try for the Munster men! #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/TYkNdWBE96— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016
Munster's third of the evening was scored by Darren Sweetnam just seven minutes later, with the former Cork hurler showing he could probably grace Turner's Cross as well as Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Thomond while roasting Maoris' winger James Love.
TRY Munster!
Munster 17-14 Maori AB! What a sensational try from Darren Sweetnam! #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/CJrMXBmOWk— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016
And the home side secured a historic victory with just 13 minutes remaining. A sublime box-kick by scrum-half Duncan Williams who - despite a yellow card for a high tackle - put in arguably his greatest display in the red jersey, was collected by Ronan O'Mahony who was alert to his half-back's intentions far more so than the Maori defense.
TRY Munster!
Munster 27-14 Maori All Blacks. This is becoming a very special night! #HistoryInTheMaking #MUNvMAB https://t.co/O1hQ01QU2s— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 11, 2016
Wexford back row Robin Copeland - who like Williams put in his best Munster display to date - was named Man of the Match by the Eir Sport team, and captain Tommy O'Donnell booted the ball into the stands to draw an end to proceedings, much to the acclaim of the capacity crowd.
The final score was 27-14 to the Munstermen.
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
