It takes a brave Kiwi to visit the site of one of the All Blacks most famous defeats. However, 180 Kiwis visiting the grounds could be seen as pure for punishment. However, that s exactly what happened when a group of 180 travelling New Zealand fans visited Thomond Park on Wednesday in advance of the Ireland v New Zealand game on Saturday. Significantly, accompanying the group were former All Blacks Brian McKechnie, Bill Bush and Mark Donaldson, who all played for New Zealand on October 31^st 1978 when Munster famously beat the All Blacks at the ground, and had to put up with some good natured slagging from the local contingent present. Also present were members of the Munster team who played that day, including Christy Cantillon, Brendan Foley, Gerry McLoughlin and Colm Tucker. All seven players recounted their memories of the game to an enthralled and appreciative audience. The Munster Supporters Club were presented with a hand carved rugby ball to commemorate the visit by Group Leader Nuk Korako, and in return Nuk was presented with a Munster bodhran by the Chairman of the Munster Supporters Club, John Rochford. New Zealand native and Munster stalwart Mike Mullins also attended. The visit also included a roof raising performance of the haka by members of the group, and the Munster contingent were treated to some traditional Maori songs, while well known singer Noel McLoughlin gave the visitors a taste of Irish music.

Photos below:

Photo 1: Brian Nolan, John Graham, John Noonan and former All Black Mark Donaldson at Thomond Park

Photo 2: Members of the Munster and All Black teams that played on October 31st 1978 in Thomond Park

L-R: Colm Tucker, Brendan Foley, Brian McKechnie, Mark Donaldson, Christy Cantillon, Bill Bush, Gerry McLoughlin

Photo 3: Mark Donaldson with a photo of the All Blacks arrival at Shannon Airport in 1978 with President of the Munste Branch Ken Lyons