Who Let The Dogs Out ?

Everyone will have their favourite stories and their own particular memories of Munster victories, perhaps Bordeaux in May 2000 or Castres the following season when they snatched a late late dramatic victory. Then there was of course that great victory over Francois Pienaar’s Sarries at Vicarage Road in November ’99 or Stade in Thomond on April 15th 2000,

But who will ever forget Newport.

For those who were there the memory of that almighty comeback will live in the memory. That, and the superb dignity with which the Newport supporters accepted their defeat and extended their hospitality after the game. Irish fans danced the night away in the Newport clubhouse cheered on by their gracious hosts.

But the match itself was a tribute to the tenacity of a side who refuse to accept what the gods seemed to have decreed.

Remember they were wiped by Newport in the opening quarter and looked out on their feet when Gary Teichmann’s side led 21-10 at half time. –Who Let The Dogs Out ?

Even when a Ronan O’Gara penalty and drop-goal reduced the deficit to five points atthe start of the second half, Newport struck again at a crucial stage and Shane Howarth’s penalty left Munster needing two scores.

But from then on it was the Reds who did all the scoring. O’Gara tagged on two penalties and there were just two points in it before the elegant number 10 slotted another drop’ to put his side in front for the first time.

It was still anyone’s game, Newport threw everything at Munster, John Langford stole a crucial line out and then Mike Mullins – a final quarter replacement – scored a marvellous try to put the result beyond doubt.Who Let The Claw Out roared the delirious Munster supporters as majestic Munster swept all before them