Munster fans savouring yesterday's nerve jangling win over Saracens were given further cause for celebration this morning when it was confirmed New Zealand will take on the province as part of their autumn tour.
The All Blacks will play Munster on November 18th to officially open the redeveloped Thomond Park. The occasion will also mark the 30th anniversary of the Munster's legendary 12-0 victory over the touring All Blacks in 1978.
"I can't think of a better way to celebrate such an auspicious occasion than for Munster to play one of the top ranked teams in the world in our own stadium," said Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald.
"Munster has a proud history including their famous 1978 victory and a European Cup final this season," added NZRU chief executive Steve Tew.
"We are delighted to be part of another chapter."
Meanwhile, Connacht coach Michael Bradley is refusing to give up the ghost as his side chase a Heineken Cup place.
Connacht's remaining two Celtic League matches are at the Sportsground and while the western province trail Ulster, who have a game in hand, by four points, Bradley is hopeful of catching Matt Williams' side.
"Our approach to this game is that it's an opportunity to still qualify for next seasons Heineken Cup," Bradley said ahead of next weekend's visit of Cardiff.
"We've been playing well enough and we'll be trying to match the level of performance we've achieved in recent weeks. Hopefully we'll be able to beat Cardiff and keep qualification alive until the final day of the season against the Ospreys."
