Tyler Bleyendaal On Whether Or Not We’ll See Another Munster Haka This Weekend
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Munster rugby host the Maori All Blacks this Friday in a mouth-watering clash at Thomond Park.
The last time Munster welcomed New Zealand opposition to Thomond Park, it came in the form of the mighty All Blacks. That game was put in place to mark the opening of the new Thomond Park and to this day, was one of the most special games we’ve ever witnessed in the famous grounds.
While Munster were unlucky not to win the game, it’s perhaps what happened before the game that is fondly remembered. Munster kiwi’s at the time, Doug Howlett, Rua Tipoki, Lifeimi Mafi and Jeremy Manning stepped forward in front of the All Blacks and did a haka of their own before the New Zealand opposition gave us their famous rendition.
Munster’s current kiwi playmaker, Tyler Bleyendaal has been doing the rounds with the media ahead of the huge clash and when asked by the Irish Examiner about that famous moment, had this to say.
“They know there’s there’s history there, that they’re here for a battle and we’re going to be up for it. I remember watching the 2008 game on TV and it was impressive to see those boys (Doug Howlett, Rua Tipoli, Lifeimi Mafi and Jeremy Manning) doing the Haka and the crowd getting behind them”.
Munster now have the likes of him, Francis Saili and hooker Rhys Marshall in their ranks from New Zealand and when asked if we would see a repeat of 2008 this Friday, he said this to the Limerick Post.
“We haven’t discussed it but a lot of the Irish guys like to put in a dig that I might be out there in the front but I’m not sure yet. I remember that game (2008) on tv and it was impressive, seeing those boys out there in front and the crowd getting right behind them.
We’re just excited to have a sell-out crowd again after one a few weeks ago at Thomond Park and another in Cork at the week-end and now another opportunity on Friday.
It’s not just us New Zealanders who are excited, the challenge for everyone in this team is that we want to win and perform well. To do it in front of a packed Thomond Park is goin to be great”
Will we see another famous Munster Haka? We’ll just have to wait until this Friday to find out.
