Heartache. Munster could not quite repeat their heroics of 30 years ago but in a match that will be treasured in these parts for generations to come they gave New Zealand an almighty fright at Thomond Park last night. There was riveting drama and unbelievable intensity as a Munster side depleted by the absence of their Ireland contingent gave their all and more against a team featuring 11 of the side that had helped to defeat Scotland 11 days ago.

Munster led 16-10 at half-time and 16-13 with four minutes to go but they could not hang on. New Zealand were cushioned by a referee who was out of his depth and who gave them every rub of the green, and Joe Rokocoko found space to burst through Doug Howlett, his compatriot, for the decisive score as the touring team got out of jail.

It was an occasion to remember 1978 and also Shane Geoghegan, the third-team captain of Garryowen who was murdered last week and for whom a minute’s silence was observed. The pre-match rituals hit exactly the right note: the official opening of the refurbished and impressive Thomond Park by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen; the presentation to the crowd of the team that remain the only one from Ireland to have beaten New Zealand; fireworks, bands and singing and the arrival of the match ball via helicopter.

There followed the remarkable sight of Munster’s four New Zealanders performing their own haka. It was led by Rua Tipoki, the former Maori captain, and included Howlett, the All Blacks record tryscorer, Lifeimi Mafi and Jeremy Manning. Backed by the 26,000 crowd, Munster laid down their challenge with the remainder of the team linking arms behind the quartet. Then complete silence ensued as the All Blacks answered with their traditional haka.

Controlled mayhem followed. In the first five minutes there was more boot, bite, aggression and adventure from Munster than Ireland had managed in the entire international last Saturday. The action swung from end to end and rucks were hit with venom. Denis Leamy and Liam Messam squared up and penalties were awarded left, right and centre. Paul Warwick kicked two of those that came Munster’s way and added a dropped goal, scores that were answered by a penalty by Stephen Donald as Munster inched into a 9-3 lead. A break by Isaia Toeava created space for Donald near the posts and the fly half converted his try. But Munster stormed back and after a succession of scrums on the All Blacks line, Peter Stringer put Barry Murphy in on the right. Warwick converted. It was scarcely believable.

In the second half Donald added a penalty but missed two easy attempts as Munster continued to tackle like fury. Under relentless pressure New Zealand could not put any rhythm into the game, despite the addition of heavy-hitting replacements. In the end, they were hugely relieved to escape without a repeat of 1978.

Scorers: Munster: Try: Murphy (36min). Conversion: Warwick. Penalty goals: Warwick 2 (7, 18). Dropped goal: Warwick (20). New Zealand XV: Tries: Donald (27), Rokocoko (76). Conversion: Donald. Penalty goals: Donald 2 (9, 47).

Scoring sequence (Munster first): 3-0, 6-3, 9-3, 9-10, 16-10 (half-time), 16-13, 16-18.

Munster: D Howlett; B Murphy, R Tipoki (rep: J Manning, 52), L Mafi, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciarello, F Sheahan (rep: D Fogarty, 62), T Ryan (rep: A Buckley, 40+1), D Ryan, M O’Driscoll, J Coughlan, N Ronan, D Leamy (rep: B Holland, 23).

New Zealand XV: C Jane; H Gear (rep: R Kahui, 62), A Tuitavake (rep: M Muliaina, 70), I Toeava, J Rokocoko; S Donald, P Weepu (rep: A Mathewson, 62); J Mackintosh, C Flynn (rep: H Elliott, 62), B Franks (rep: J Afoa, 54), R Filipo (rep: B Thorn, 70), J Eaton, A Thomson (rep: K Read, 50), S Waldrom, L Messam.

Referee: R Poite (France).