All Black brought back

Dave Loveridge might prefer to forget but there wasn't much chance of that on visiting Ireland with the touring New Zealand youths. Loveridge was scrumhalf on the New Zealand side beaten that famous day in 1978 by Munster (12-0) at Thomond Park. The former All Black, who is a member of the New Zealand Youths team management, last weekend returned to Thomond Park. Munster branch official Gerry Moore couldn't resist the opportunity to show Loveridge the plaque that adorns the stand, commemorating Munster's victory.

Loveridge took it in good grace, confessing that a chance meeting with Donal Spring in Dublin earlier in the current tour ensured memories of 1978 would be revived. The New Zealander had the last laugh, as on Saturday he watched his charges comprehensively beat the Munster under-21s 43-5.