So the events of 1978 and that memorable 12-0 victory over New Zealand were not repeated. But tonight, Munster achieved much more than a victory, they and their community are now part of something that is more than a game, it is a collective sense of purpose, it is a way of life.
Rugby is a game of honour and respect, these aspects of the game were highlighted once again with Munster's New Zealand contingent performing the haka, then the All Blacks, continued the spectacle.
Many felt that Munster would not hold up to the All Blacks especially given that 10 of their 15 that start are with the Irish set up, but spurred on by the Limerick faithful Munster started as they ment to continue. Warwick converted early pressure, 3-0 then 3-3 and Donald started well, following another well struck penalty, what followed was real class, it was Ward esque, a drop goal,9-3 that sent the crowd into overdrive.
The lead came at a price. Munster were determined to get to every ball, and the physicallity at times of the AB's caused injuries. There was a break in play, Leamy left the field, and Donald coasted in under the sticks to make it 10-9.
It was time the for Munster to get back in the game, as they always seem to do, and after continued pressure they got their chance. A scrum 5 meteres out from the AB line provided the opportunity for what turned out to be a simply 2 on 1 Stringer provided the pass and Barry Murphy got what will likely be the most memorable try of his carrer, Warwick converted and against all logic and reasoning Munster lead the AB's 16-10 at half time.
As was always going to be the case given Munster's commiment to making life hard for the AB's, bodies and mind's got tired and soon after the half began, Donald who kicked poorly, got the AB'S within 3 points.
The crowd lifted their voices and with the introduction of fresh legs in Buckley, O'Sullivan and Manning, Munster began to edge back into feild position, all throughout Warwick looked assured, always having time on the ball, and between himself and Stringer they played the odds and kicked intelligently for field position.
As the clock kicked on, the crowd felt they were in the pressence of something not to be forgotten, Munster as they do in these situations, kept it tight but for once in the game they were rucked off their own ball. What followed was a clash of New Zealand greats, Rokocoko against Howlett, given Howlett's experience he forced the man chasing his try scoring record to the touch line but given Rokocoko's quality it wasn't enough, he was stepped try scored game over, or so we thought, Donald missed again, and in truth looked shakey all evening, and with 4 minutes to go Munster still had a chance, penalty won, perfect. Lineout, up the jumper and penalty or drop goal, alas it was not to be, throw missed, and although Munster brave to the end got the ball back, it was not to be, an 18-16 loss.

Tonight was more than a game of rugby, it was a tribute to every player ever to wear a Munster shirt, it was a tribute to the new Thomond Park, and more important than that it was a tribute to the fans, and Limerick in general.
The events of 1978 may not have been repeated, but 2008, 30 years on, this was something different, it was something more, Legacy and Reputation enhanced, Munster, pride and tradition live on.