Munster team set to face the Haka
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:47
Coach Tony McGahan named his team on Monday, ahead of Tuesday's much-anticipated match against New Zealand at Thomond Park.
The Magners League team will be led by second row Mick O'Driscoll and still features a number of international players, including legendary All Black Doug Howlet.
The only player included by Munster who saw action for Ireland against the All Blacks on Saturday is replacement prop Tony Buckley. He came on in the second half at Croke Park.
Scrumhalf Peter Stringer, whose last outing at Thomond Park was against Canada, returns to the provincial fold to partner Paul Warwick at flyhalf.
Also included in the matchday squad are Ian Dowling, Donnacha Ryan and Denis Leamy. The trio have been training recently with Ireland but are back for the historic clash.
Looking forward to facing some of his former teammates, Munster's New Zealand wing Howlett said: "This game's been at the back of my head for a long time, it's an exciting opportunity and may never happen again.
"We're missing most of our internationals but we'll do the best with what we've got.
"Obviously expectations are pretty high on us but the fans have good rugby minds, they're realistic.
"They're looking forward to a great event and a great show."
Howlett, former New Zealand Maori captain Rua Tipoki and former Taranaki centre Lifeimi Mafi famously performed the haka together at the Limerick celebrations of Munster's Heineken Cup win last May.
So how will it be for Howlett and company to face the haka and will they 'haka back'?
"It will be an interesting one. I've performed it many a time but never been in front of it," the winger admitted.
"I might have to consult our resident Maori [Tipoki] and come up with the correct response in terms of what to do.
"Back home it's not uncommon to haka back - it's certainly an option."
Meanwhile, New Zealand's selection for the specially-arranged match, 30 years after Munster's famous 12-0 win over Graham Mourie's All Blacks, includes just one player who started Saturday's Test game.
Winger Joe Rokocoko is the only survivor, but coach Graham Henry has chosen a talent-laden line-up which will be captained by scrum half Piri Weepu.
Tasman prop Ben Franks and Taranaki flanker Scott Waldrom will make their bows, becoming All Blacks numbers 1084 and 1085 respectively.
Replacement hooker Hika Elliott and scrum half Alby Mathewson could also make their debuts off the bench.
Henry said: "The Munster match will be a special occasion for the team and the guys are really looking forward to visiting Limerick. The team also knows that it will be a hard, physical match against the European club champions.
"The All Blacks are also delighted to be heading back to Thomond Park for the official opening of the renovated stadium. It's a special part of rugby history."
Munster: 15 Doug Howlett, 14 Barry Murphy, 13 Rua Tipoki, 12 Lifeimi Mafi, 11 Ian Dowling, 10 Paul Warwick, 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Denis Leamy, 7 Niall Ronan, 6 James Coughlan, 5 Donnacha Ryan, 4 Mick O'Driscoll (captain), 3 Timmy Ryan, 2 Frankie Sheahan, 1 Federico Pucciariello,
Replacements: 16 Denis Fogarty, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Mark Melbourne, 19 Billy Holland, 20 John O'Sullivan, 21 Mike Prendergast, 22 Jeremy Manning.
Date: Tuesday, November 18
Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick
Kick-off: 19.30 (19.30 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite
Touch judges: Christophe Berdos, Cédric Marchat
TMO: Eric Gauzins
