Beating the AB's, which is sweeter? Province or country?

toomevara

Alright folks, just come up in the AB's autumn tour thread... because I'm a narrow minded, parochial, hang-sangich munching, knuckle-dragger I've stated that given the choice between Ireland or Munster beating the AB's I'd take Munster every time...for which I've justifiably been taken to task.

Thought I'd poll it, but with an added element. Imagine, in a fantasy rugby universe, the AB's have decided to tour Ireland, playing the provinces and the national squad. Unfortunately only one team wins a historic victory over the Blacks. Who would you want it to be?

NotWormBoy

Country, no question. Whilst it would be harder for the province to do it due to greater difference in quality (supposed difference anyways), it'd be better for Irish rugby as a whole for the national side to do it.

zAbbo

Ireland obviously.

MikeHoncho

Eh Ireland obviously. Only a Munster man would say otherwise. Thats not meant as a slight on Munster fans its just an observation that for some Munster fans province does seem more important than country.

Chucky the tree

MikeHoncho wrote: »

Thats not meant as a slight on Munster fans its just an observation that for some Munster fans province does seem more important than country.

That's because it is.

toomevara

Chucky the tree wrote: »

That's because it is.

Beautiful, couldn't have put it better meself.

thehighground

I voted for Ireland - Munster have already done the job

I think some of you are a bit harsh on Munster with regard to the first team playing for Munster rather than Ireland on this particular occasion. Munster only get to play the ABs once every 10/20 years. Ireland gets to play them every 2nd year, if not more.

The opening of the new Thomond Park, the 30th anniversary etc. will get a huge amount of media attention and by playing the Munster Reserves will not help the promotion of rugby in Ireland if they are hammered by an AB rookie team.

Anyway, according to a few posters here, there are a load of players that should be ahead of Munster players in the pecking order in the Irish national set up. Hopefully Sexton has a good tour this summer - and if so, quite a few will be very happy to bin ROG, like they couldn't wait to bin Stringer

donmeister

your right,god loves a trier,so connaught

rockman15

ireland should always come first....

but, theres always a but, giving the occassion and the traditions of the fixture, perhaps the munster players should be allowed to play for province

Diamondmaker

Ireland obviously

Games against best XIs and rep teams etc are never going to be worth the memory of anyone other than the small grou involved in an unlikely victory.

Ireland have never beaten the ABs and it is an other important milestone we aboslutely must reach to advance further as a rugby nation.

The Munster game may or may not have full strength teams, with fans B'Jaysusing their hearts out.... but ultimately the game wont mean much, or be remembered / reported outside of Ireland ( Munster ) regardless of result.

If Ireland beat the ABs that will be world news and the Kiwis will have to acknowledge it to some extent.
Defeat to a Province and you will get all the 2nd string team, not caring attitude, excuses that Munster men put out when they lose a non "critical" game....

Sangre

Ireland, easily.

I'd much rather a team of my fellow countrymen win against another country rather than a mix-n-match of nationalities who played for my provinence.

toomevara

Diamondmaker wrote: »

The Munster game may or may not have full strength teams, with fans B'Jaysusing their hearts out.... but ultimately the game wont mean much, or be remembered / reported outside of Ireland ( Munster ) regardless of result.
.

Hmmm, I dont know, i think you my be underestimating the iconic nature of any clash involving the Blacks and Munster. Its a fixture that fires the imaginations of rugby people of all stripes everywhere, and its definitely got a place in the folklore of the game. Just witness the success of 'Alone it Stands' everywhere its played. I saw it in London to a packed house of largely English people and to say they enjoyed or were enthused by it is an understatement.

And if Munster beat the AB's I can tell you it will be remembered and quoted outside of Ireland, not least in NZ where the '78 result still rankles to this day. The very fact that the AB's would consider the fixture tells you that its a monkey they'd very much like off their back! And as for not meaning much, you've got to be kidding me! It would mean the earth!

Diamondmaker

Sangre wrote: »

I'd much rather a team of my fellow countrymen win against another country rather than a mix-n-match of nationalities who played for my provinence.

Very true point !

Im not sure I agree with Toomevaras comments below, its very easy to see things that way when you have the red tinted glasses but as someone who does not really care too much about that result, who is currently in the southern hemi, I dont think it would rate all that much here.

My mum went to Alone it stands ! Cos she heard it was funny and a good show, dont think she has the remotest interest in Irish let alone Munster rugby:rolleyes:

toomevara

Diamondmaker wrote: »

Im not sure I agree with Toomevaras comments below, its very easy to see things that way when you have the red tinted glasses :

Yeah in fairness, totally guilty! It's a terrible affliction that does strange things to a mans view of the world! I mean I know, logically and rationally I should be more concerned about an Ireland win, but if I'm honest I'm more gung-ho about Munster....

On the Alone It Stands thing...it is absolutely brilliant as a piece of theatre in its own right and anyone with even a passing interest in the game should try and see it if they get round to another tour.

marco_polo

Jesus lad do I have to think of everthing around here, can we not just win both games this autumn. :pac:

I picked Ireland though because we have never done it before.

toomevara

marco_polo wrote: »

Jesus lad do I have to think of everthing around here, can we not just win both games this autumn.

Good Christ! It's a crazy idea, but it just might work, that is if it weren't outside the parameters of the original poll...sigh..theres always one. *adjusts dickie bow, straightens glasses, puts biro back in breast pocket*

Size=everything

toomevara wrote: »

Good Christ! It's a crazy idea, but it just might work, that is if it weren't outside the parameters of the original poll...sigh..theres always one. *adjusts dickie bow, straightens glasses, puts biro back in breast pocket*

A Munster win before an Irish one would somewhat take the sparkle out of Ireland beating New Zealand though. Now if Ireland beat them first then Munster that would be great or if an under-strength Munster team beat an under-strength New Zealand team.

I would like to see an Irish one over a province win because as stated already by another poster I would prefer to see my fellow country men beat NZ over a few homegrowns and foreign players.

Other reasons include
[1] Ireland have never beaten them
[2]If Munster beat them the NZ media will just claim they were trying things out before the Irish test.
[3]Good boost for ALL players in the National team in a time of rebuilding
[4]Would create a mass of yet more new rugby fans
[5]If we don't have a coach by then seeing Ireland beating NZ would certainly create an immediate spark of interest amongst the great coaches
[6]Gives new, younger players such as Kearney,Heaslip,Fitzgerald etc. the mentality that they can and have beaten the best and in the remainder of their careers should expect nothing less when playing for Ireland
[7]Everyone in the country will want to celebrate not just one province.
[8]No one will feel begrudged/jealous/bitter etc.
[9]Could you imagine the amount of gloating the Munter fans would do? the '78 win is akin to England's coverage of of the '66 WC win please I don't think I can take anymore[:D]


and finally
[10] As a proud Irish man my country comes foremost and should for everyone else. What would you prefer if you were an english man? your club winning the Champions League or your country winning the World Cup? [sorry to use England and soccer as an example again its just in my head after point 9 :pac:]

thehighground

Diamondmaker wrote: »

Very true point !

Im not sure I agree with Toomevaras comments below, its very easy to see things that way when you have the red tinted glasses but as someone who does not really care too much about that result, who is currently in the southern hemi, I dont think it would rate all that much here.

My mum went to Alone it stands ! Cos she heard it was funny and a good show, dont think she has the remotest interest in Irish let alone Munster rugby:rolleyes:

Bet most Aussie rugby followers though would rate Munster - after all isn't Munster one of the few (only?) club sides that have beaten both Aus and the ABs Anyway, it all helps to attract such iconic players as Christian Cullen & Doug Howlett. BTW, when the announcement was made about Doug coming to Munster, the NZ press were describing Munster as 'European GLAMOUR club Munster'

... and despite your mother having no interest in rugby, she now knows about Munster rugby ... there are probably a fair few like her about ... no doubt she will be pleased if Munster beat them again.

thehighground

RickyHatton wrote: »

A Munster win before an Irish one would somewhat take the sparkle out of Ireland beating New Zealand though. Now if Ireland beat them first then Munster that would be great or if an under-strength Munster team beat an under-strength New Zealand team.

Ireland has a chance to beat them in a few weeks time out in NZ. And really, there is no such thing as an understrength NZ side!

I would like to see an Irish one over a province win because as stated already by another poster I would prefer to see my fellow country men beat NZ over a few homegrowns and foreign players.

Fair enough ... but the amount of begrudgery and criticism that Munster gets, do you blame Munster supporters of being sick of the whole Ireland set-up.

Other reasons include
[1] Ireland have never beaten them
Can Ireland not do it without first choice Munster players for once?

[2]If Munster beat them the NZ media will just claim they were trying things out before the Irish test.
Who cares what the NZ media think!

[3]Good boost for ALL players in the National team in a time of rebuilding
Even better boost if they can do it without first choice Munster players

[4]Would create a mass of yet more new rugby fans
Not too sure - would you want new rugby fans who are only attracted to the game if you can beat the ABs?

[5]If we don't have a coach by then seeing Ireland beating NZ would certainly create an immediate spark of interest amongst the great coaches
Whoever coaches a win against the ABs deserves the job!

[6]Gives new, younger players such as Kearney,Heaslip,Fitzgerald etc. the mentality that they can and have beaten the best and in the remainder of their careers should expect nothing less when playing for Ireland
Even better if they do it without first choice Munster.

[7]Everyone in the country will want to celebrate not just one province.
I think more than once province celebrates when Munster win

[8]No one will feel begrudged/jealous/bitter etc.
Get a life

[9]Could you imagine the amount of gloating the Munter fans would do? the '78 win is akin to England's coverage of of the '66 WC win please I don't think I can take anymore[:D]
Just go with the flow - you'll enjoy it

and finally
[10] As a proud Irish man my country comes foremost and should for everyone else. What would you prefer if you were an english man? your club winning the Champions League or your country winning the World Cup? [sorry to use England and soccer as an example again its just in my head after point 9 :pac:]

Well, I think the 'gloating' you describe is mainly a response to the begrudgery that emanates from Leinster fans and is to be generally found on Message Boards. I know a good few Leinster fans who went over to Cardiff to cheer on Munster in Cardiff and hopefully (if Munster win their next game), will be off to Cardiff again.

Podge_irl

toomevara wrote: »

And if Munster beat the AB's I can tell you it will be remembered and quoted outside of Ireland, not least in NZ where the '78 result still rankles to this day. The very fact that the AB's would consider the fixture tells you that its a monkey they'd very much like off their back! And as for not meaning much, you've got to be kidding me! It would mean the earth!

I think that's slightly overstating it. The ABs have lost to other club sides in the past (including one of the Welsh ones methinks). I think a large part of the legend surrounding that game is due in no small part to the fact that Ireland haven't beaten NZ (as in Munster could do what Ireland couldn't). I must say, I'd far sooner take an Ireland victory over a Leinster one

I did, however, accidentally vote Leinster in the poll, as I'm an idiot.

toomevara

RickyHatton wrote: »

and finally
[10] As a proud Irish man my country comes foremost and should for everyone else. What would you prefer if you were an english man? your club winning the Champions League or your country winning the World Cup? [sorry to use England and soccer as an example again its just in my head after point 9 :pac:]

You raise alot of interesting and valld points but this particular analogy doesn't hold. You're not comparing like with like. A more accurate one would probably go along the lines of; would English football fans prefer to see their country beat say Brazil or their club, in which cases I'd respectfully suggest that most English footy fans would much prefer to see the latter.

I also think your analogy is unfortunate in that, like many Munster fans, English fans of clubs like Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle would put their club before country 9 times out of 10. (for lots of different reasons)

toomevara

Podge_irl wrote: »

I did, however, accidentally vote Leinster in the poll, as I'm an idiot.

A Freudian slip? ..or perhaps the hand of God...?;)

Rugby God

toomevara wrote: »

A Freudian slip? ..or perhaps the hand of God...?;)

Don't look at me..

[Jackass]

I'd like to see Leinster play the All Blacks, we never even got to play them...the closest we ever got to playing the All Blacks was Tony Ward slotting home all those points for Munster Mwwahahaha.

I don't know, it's difficult to choose, but I suppose an Irish victory would probably be more important as it would be shared amongst all rugby supporters across the country. Either would be great!

Size=everything

Other reasons include
[1] Ireland have never beaten them
Can Ireland not do it without first choice Munster players for once?

You said what was sweeter. I said Ireland beating them because they have never done it.





[2]If Munster beat them the NZ media will just claim they were trying things out before the Irish test.
Who cares what the NZ media think!

It wouldn't just be the NZ media probably every media outside Ireland maybe even ours as well it would hardly be remembered as a magnificent moment like is claimed as it will be said they were merely experimenting before the REAL game which will somewhat cheapen the whole victory whereas if Ireland beat them they have no excuses, makes the victory all the more sweeter.

[3]Good boost for ALL players in the National team in a time of rebuilding
Even better boost if they can do it without first choice Munster players

Not really. If anything it will create a sort of division. We beat them ourselves and we beat them ourselves type scenario we don't need you

[4]Would create a mass of yet more new rugby fans
Not too sure - would you want new rugby fans who are only attracted to the game if you can beat the ABs?

If it means more money for the IRFU then definitely. More money equals a more effective set up. Also whose to say that some of these fair weather fans don't start genuinely enjoying rugby, go to club matches, gets their kids to play etc.

[5]If we don't have a coach by then seeing Ireland beating NZ would certainly create an immediate spark of interest amongst the great coaches
Whoever coaches a win against the ABs deserves the job!

Not really, I don't care who it is that we beat a coach shouldn't be decided on the merits of one game

[6]Gives new, younger players such as Kearney,Heaslip,Fitzgerald etc. the mentality that they can and have beaten the best and in the remainder of their careers should expect nothing less when playing for Ireland
Even better if they do it without first choice Munster.

Once again almost creates a sense of we dont ned you type mentality.




[7]Everyone in the country will want to celebrate not just one province.
I think more than once province celebrates when Munster win

Certainly not to the same extent. I mean what will make a man in Leinster or Connacht more excited Munster beating NZ or IRELAND beating NZ, with Ireland everyone is equally delighted.

[8]No one will feel begrudged/jealous/bitter etc.
Get a life

Whats that supposed to mean I am not saying I would be merely saying it might create a bad enviroment we've already seen the Munster vs Leinster trend happening with Leinster about to win the Magners and Munster with a chance of winning the Heino cup.

[9]Could you imagine the amount of gloating the Munter fans would do? the '78 win is akin to England's coverage of of the '66 WC win please I don't think I can take anymoreIMG]http://static.boards.ie/vbulletin/images/smilies/biggrin.gif[/IMG
Just go with the flow - you'll enjoy it

I'd prefer to bask in the glory of a national win, something EVERYONE can EQUALLY enjoy.

and finally
[10] As a proud Irish man my country comes foremost and should for everyone else. What would you prefer if you were an english man? your club winning the Champions League or your country winning the World Cup? [sorry to use England and soccer as an example again its just in my head after point 9 :pac:]

Well, I think the 'gloating' you describe is mainly a response to the begrudgery that emanates from Leinster fans and is to be generally found on Message Boards. I know a good few Leinster fans who went over to Cardiff to cheer on Munster in Cardiff and hopefully (if Munster win their next game), will be off to Cardiff again.

Not bother responding that to be honest as its tripe.

remus808

Lads, we were shown up by average Wales, France and England sides (yes, average).. I don't want to be a doom merchant, but let's be realistic about our chances

I have a feeling that the mystical munster X-factor would give them a much better chance than the national team.

Diamondmaker

thehighground wrote: »

Bet most Aussie rugby followers though would rate Munster - after all isn't Munster one of the few (only?) club sides that have beaten both Aus and the ABs Anyway, it all helps to attract such iconic players as Christian Cullen & Doug Howlett. BTW, when the announcement was made about Doug coming to Munster, the NZ press were describing Munster as 'European GLAMOUR club Munster'

... and despite your mother having no interest in rugby, she now knows about Munster rugby ... there are probably a fair few like her about ... no doubt she will be pleased if Munster beat them again.

I was genuinely surprised to find how little they know of rugby ( and evrything in generel ) about over seas and esp Europe. I dont think I have met many who know who Leinster and Munster are...seriosuly.

I work with guys involved with the local big clubs and who have played with Wallabys but they know very little and certainly know F all about a Munster win over a touring team some decades ag.

Here rugby is in decline with the ARU haemoraging cash and Super 14 gates very low. QLD is a traditional rugby heartland and outside of NSW ( sydney ) there is sweet Feck all rugy interest in Oz.

Even still their domestic league for the league code is far more popular.

Many places are glamourous compared toNZ in all fairness !

Deedsie

Why would ye begrudge someone pride in their province. Im a proud Munster man. To compare the atmosphere between international matches in Landsdowne and H Cup games in Thomond is not even close.

I dont like saying that but, Irish games are different. Im as proud an Irishman as i can be. But still Ill roar them both on. 30 years since an Irish team beat them. After all our F ups internationaly with this gifted side maybe this is one thing they could set right.

Come on Ireland Agus Mumhá Abu

Pinetree Boy

A lot of comments suggest a win to Munster would be underated and ignored down here. Rest assured that we never dismiss an All Black loss to anyone. I remember the 1978 game clearly (I was 13) and it was huge news here and Munster received high praise. They beat one of the great AB teams which won all of the other 17 games on tour and a grand slam. It is still talked about whenever the ABs visit Ireland and there is a lot of interest and positive comment down here about the "rematch". Although, having said that if it was me I would prefer a test win. ye gods the consternation lossing to ireland would cause!! Not that it will happen of course.

toomevara

Pinetree Boy wrote: »

A lot of comments suggest a win to Munster would be underated and ignored down here. Rest assured that we never dismiss an All Black loss to anyone. I remember the 1978 game clearly (I was 13) and it was huge news here and Munster received high praise. They beat one of the great AB teams which won all of the other 17 games on tour and a grand slam.

I rest my case...straight from the horses mouth. Thanks to Mr.Meads Junior!

thehighground

RickyHatton wrote: »

[2]If Munster beat them the NZ media will just claim they were trying things out before the Irish test.
Who cares what the NZ media think!

It wouldn't just be the NZ media probably every media outside Ireland maybe even ours as well it would hardly be remembered as a magnificent moment like is claimed as it will be said they were merely experimenting before the REAL game which will somewhat cheapen the whole victory whereas if Ireland beat them they have no excuses, makes the victory all the more sweeter.
Well, it will be a new AB team, so who is to say that the team they field against Ireland could well be called a weakened team. Will that bother you? Personally, tbh, what other people think of various wins don't bother me at all - example Munster v. Claremont - Munster won the group to get into the QFs, thats what counts. And no, it doesn't bother me or take from the occasion with the 3 Kiwis in the team (2 of which are not full ABs) - these are adopted Munster men now, just like Tony Ward was an adopted Munster man 30 years ago


[3]Good boost for ALL players in the National team in a time of rebuilding
Even better boost if they can do it without first choice Munster players

Not really. If anything it will create a sort of division. We beat them ourselves and we beat them ourselves type scenario we don't need you

There could be some Munster players there - not all will get to play the ABs in Thomond. It will give the Bob Caseys, Leo Cullens, Shane Jennings, Ferris, Jackman, etc. a chance to show off what they can do. Only problem as far as I can see is ROG, but who knows, Sexton could come on leaps and bounds this summer.


[4]Would create a mass of yet more new rugby fans
Not too sure - would you want new rugby fans who are only attracted to the game if you can beat the ABs?

If it means more money for the IRFU then definitely. More money equals a more effective set up. Also whose to say that some of these fair weather fans don't start genuinely enjoying rugby, go to club matches, gets their kids to play etc.

At the moment, there is no problem filling Croke Park. Shortly will be moving back to 50k stadium - so a few fans are going to be disappointed as it is!


[5]If we don't have a coach by then seeing Ireland beating NZ would certainly create an immediate spark of interest amongst the great coaches
Whoever coaches a win against the ABs deserves the job!
Not really, I don't care who it is that we beat a coach shouldn't be decided on the merits of one game

Ireland is in serious trouble if it doesn't have a coach by autumn prior to those games.

[6]Gives new, younger players such as Kearney,Heaslip,Fitzgerald etc. the mentality that they can and have beaten the best and in the remainder of their careers should expect nothing less when playing for Ireland
Even better if they do it without first choice Munster.
Once again almost creates a sense of we dont ned you type mentality.
It could also go to their heads and they might have a difficulty staying humble. Look at the Ospreys - Grand Slam Winners one minutes, knocked out of the HCup a couple of minutues later.


[7]Everyone in the country will want to celebrate not just one province.
I think more than once province celebrates when Munster win

Certainly not to the same extent. I mean what will make a man in Leinster or Connacht more excited Munster beating NZ or IRELAND beating NZ, with Ireland everyone is equally delighted.
I just think a lot of people would enjoy this fixture, because of its novelty value, history etc. And besides, most of the Munster players are fellow Irishmen, and in general most Irish people take pleasure in any Irish people doing well.


[8]No one will feel begrudged/jealous/bitter etc.
Get a life

Whats that supposed to mean I am not saying I would be merely saying it might create a bad enviroment we've already seen the Munster vs Leinster trend happening with Leinster about to win the Magners and Munster with a chance of winning the Heino cup.
It will only become a bad situation if you keep insisting Leinster players & fans are somehow being badly done by because Munster players might just this once like to be involved in a novel and historic friendly game against the ABs

[9]Could you imagine the amount of gloating the Munter fans would do? the '78 win is akin to England's coverage of of the '66 WC win please I don't think I can take anymoreIMG]http://static.boards.ie/vbulletin/images/smilies/biggrin.gif[/IMG
Just go with the flow - you'll enjoy it
I'd prefer to bask in the glory of a national win, something EVERYONE can EQUALLY enjoy.

Life is tough ... anyway ... they are not 'equal' type events - one is a club (who have done a lot in the promotion of rugby in this country - so its fair to say they are popular right throughout the country, not just with people born in Munster). One is a country. Both are Irish.

thehighground

Pinetree Boy wrote: »

A lot of comments suggest a win to Munster would be underated and ignored down here. Rest assured that we never dismiss an All Black loss to anyone. I remember the 1978 game clearly (I was 13) and it was huge news here and Munster received high praise. They beat one of the great AB teams which won all of the other 17 games on tour and a grand slam. It is still talked about whenever the ABs visit Ireland and there is a lot of interest and positive comment down here about the "rematch". Although, having said that if it was me I would prefer a test win. ye gods the consternation lossing to ireland would cause!! Not that it will happen of course.

Thanks for confirming Pinetree. For the ABs even to do this fixture says that Munster has some standing down in NZ. All Irish people should take pleasure and be proud of that.

komodosp

It's difficult to say... I would love it if Ireland beat the ABs, but the thing is that Ireland play them every couple of years. It would be a great victory. But then the next time they played and they lost it would be back to the usual and kind of take away from the victory.

For Munster v the All Blacks it's a once-in-a-generation type of thing, they haven't played in 30 years and probably won't play again for a long time... So it'd be a victory to savour. We could still be saying in 10 years, "Munster beat the All Blacks" (just like people still say it now about 1978) whereas it wouldn't be the same for Ireland if we looked back 10 years and said "Ireland beat the All Blacks (but lost to them a lot more times.)"

I voted for Ireland because I only had this thought while typing this message, but I do think a victory for Ireland would be better for the game, uniting Irish rugby fans and creating new ones... OK many of them will just be fans during the good times and forget about it again the following year. But some of them will stay fans. (Which is bad in one way because it'll make it more difficult to go to matches!)

So I think it would be better if Ireland did it. But the question is "which would be sweeter" in which case I'd have to go with Munster! Not that I have more loyalty to Munster than Ireland, but just because of the reason above. (e.g. I would think it sweeter for Ireland to win the World Cup than Munster to win the Heineken Cup)

So my mis-voting kind of half-cancels-out that guy who accidentally voted for Leinster

Podge_irl

komodosp wrote: »

But then the next time they played and they lost it would be back to the usual and kind of take away from the victory.

This is where I disagree. Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks, they are the only major test nation we haven't beaten and that is a huge deal (this is probably due in part to only having played them 20 times). For those who consider the WC to be the pinnacle - imagine Ireland meeting the ABs in a WC knowing they had never before managed to beat them. That would be a fairly large psychological advantage to the ABs.

Mind you, this whole discussion is probably moot, the feckers will probably beat both Munster and Ireland.

toomevara

Podge_irl wrote: »

Mind you, this whole discussion is probably moot, the feckers will probably beat both Munster and Ireland.

*sound of my thin bubble of hope and expectation going 'pop'* sigh...

kmart6

Ireland and Munster!:D

Pinetree Boy

As far as a weakened AB team- While it may not be the "top" 15 I would expect that all the starting 15 against Munster would be capped test players.

escobar

Ireland without a shadow of a doubt . .........Was that anti-munster sentiment in your provincial comments .....

Gelio

Personaly I would prefer to see Ireland win

Sherifu

Ireland all the way.


Connacht (Because God Loves a trier) - Sad but true

Worrytahs

thehighground wrote: »

Bet most Aussie rugby followers though would rate Munster - after all isn't Munster one of the few (only?) club sides that have beaten both Aus and the ABs

Munster arent a club. They're a provincial branch of the IRFU. The best players from the clubs within that province play for them. Thats why when a team list is announced, the club and province are listed beside a player's name.
When Munster play NZ, the ABs will be a midweek side, not a first choice selection, I would imagine as most of their players will not be made go onto the field three days after a test at Croke Pk. Munster, as with all provinces, comprises of both Irish players and overseas players. Ireland comprises of Irish players only. This means for me that the pecking order stays as it is and an Irish win over the All Blacks tops anything else. Wont stop me shouting for Munster when they do play, I might add....or any province from here for that matter.

RuggieBear

mike dee banned. responses deleted. I will not tolerate another thread descending into provincial rubbish.

RuggieBear

if it was full strength Munster vs full strength New Zealand i might have more than a passing interest in it. Instead it is nothing more than part of an adidas publicity campaign....so Ireland.

merlynthewizard

quite a few clubs in the Uk have beaten the All Blacks I have been told

toomevara

merlynthewizard wrote: »

quite a few clubs in the Uk have beaten the All Blacks I have been told

Newport beat them at Rodney parade in '63.
Llanelli beat them in '72..

RuggieBear

swansea were the first club to beat them...back in the 20's or sometime ages ago.

have an inkling that neath beat them too in the 70's too(but i might be mixing them up as they are both known as the all blacks)

Pinetree Boy

This is the list of non-test losses or draws in NH:

1935- Swansea
- Ulster- draw
1963-Newport
1967- East Wales- draw
1972- Llanelli
- Munster- draw
1978- Munster
1979- Northern Division
1983- Midland Division

ibuprofen

I picked Ireland of course . I'd love to see Munster beat them again . Would be brilliant