It was a lucky escape for the All Blacks, as a try by Joe Rokocoko in the 75th minute gave them a narrow 18-16 lead - one which they would manage to hold on to until full-time.

Munster scored a try just before half-time to give them a 16-10 lead going into the break, and although they didn't score in the second half, they held on to their lead for most of the second fourty - only to watch Rokocoko cross the line to give the All Blacks the lead in the dying stages. Despite their loss, they can hold their heads up very high, and be proud of the performance they put in against the best in the world.

Munster were very strong around the ruck, and although the ref let them get away with a lot of infringements, they put a lot of pressure on Piri Weepu and the All Black forwards - who were unable to get quality ball to the backs for much of the game. When the backs did get the ball they played very laterally, and failed to get any real forward momentum. And, when they did, the Munster forwards slowed the ball down at the ruck, which put the All Blacks on the back foot.

To their credit, though, the All Black forwards kept trying, and eventually they started to wear down the Munster pack, which led to the final try. This was a game for some of the new boys to test their skills, and everyone stood up proving the decision to take such a large squad was the right move.

Liam Messam was very strong on attack, while Scott Waldrom showed his ability to get to the breakdown quickly and put pressure on the opposition. Messam may have down enough to warrant selection in one of the last two Tests...

Ben Franks looked strong at scrum time, and should be happy with his first performance in the black jersey. With Tony Woodcock likely to miss the Test against Wales, either due to injury or suspension, either Franks or Mackintosh will have to fill the void on the bench - and based on today's efforts, Franks might have the edge.

The other player who looked sharp when he came on was Alby Mathewson, who created several gaps, and came very close to setting up another try late in the game. It's unlikely we'll see him play again, but he's done himself no harm in putting pressure on Andy Ellis.

This game was something truely special, especially for the people of Munster, who are obviously very passionate about their team. They were deafening in their support, except when it came to shots at goal, when they fell deathly silent (you could hear people shushing the noisy fans) - and it seemed to put Stephen Donald off, as he missed a couple of simple kicks.

Donald started off the game in good fashion, but we felt that as the game went on (especially in the second half) he held the ball a bit much, and put in a couple of useless chip kicks - which turned the ball over to Munster. This game time is important for Donald, especially as he is the backup for Dan Carter, but he does still have a bit to learn at this level.

The IRB should take note of this game, because it proves that there should be more midweek games for touring teams. The crowds love it, and it gives teams a chance to expand their squads. It would be great to go back to the days when there were midweek games on every tour...

The All Blacks can heave a sigh of relief, and now start focusing on the Test against Wales in a few days time. Most likely Graham Henry will go back to a full strength team, which should have no trouble against the Welsh.