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Men of Munster ready to rumble
- Iain Payten in Limerick
- From: The Daily Telegraph
- November 16, 2010 12:00AM
Preparations...the Wallabies train at Limerick University ahead of the clash with Munster. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
IF THE Wallabies thought Twickenham was a nasty ambush, they may be in for a shock at Thomond Park.
Australia's midweek team takes on Munster early tomorrow morning in Limerick and it shapes as the toughest game the Wallaby squad will face all tour.
The famous Irish province prides itself on a history of claiming the scalps of touring teams, and the Munster style is politely described as uncompromising. Impolitely, dockyard brawl might fit.
Arguably Munster's most celebrated victory was their 12-0 win over the All Blacks in 1978, which is so famous the team photo still hangs in the pubs of Cork and Limerick.
"Their pedigree against touring sides has been fantastic so it will be a tight tussle," Wallabies assistant coach Jim Williams, a former player and coach at Munster, said.
The All Blacks narrowly avoided a repeat in 2008 when they played at Thomond Park to mark the 30-year anniversary of 1978's boilover. Trailing late in the game, they scraped home 18-16.
For Australia, the memories are just as painful. After a 3-all draw in 1958, Munster beat the Wallabies 11-8 in 1967 and 22-19 in 1992 against the then world champions.
That day is remembered for a rugby match breaking out among the brawling, with Irish prop Peter Clohessy branded "a disgrace" by coach Bob Dwyer for his play.
It's said that Dwyer stayed in the shadows after the match after the Clohessy family were said to be out for revenge.
"I have seen clips of that game and there wasn't a dull moment," said Williams, who was welcomed like a long-lost son yesterday in Limerick.
Munster will be without up to 20 top players, including Irish stars Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer and John Hayes, but will still have ex-All Black Doug Howlett and former Aussie sevens player Paul Warwick.
Meanwhile, team doctors have told Wallabies halfback Will Genia he can play against Italy on Saturday if he can stand the pain of injured ribs.
Winger James O'Connor was confirmed as a non-starter against the Azzurri after flying home on compassionate leave.
O'Connor will attend the funeral of a friend on Friday. The youngster will rejoin the Wallabies in Paris.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1225954058749
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