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Sport | Ireland

Māori All Blacks aren't underestimating Munster

The Māori All Blacks can't wait for Friday night's sold-out encounter against Munster at Thomond Park. Media got the opportunity to chat with forwards coach Carl Hoeft and winger James Lowe ahead of their clash against Munster.

The Māori All Blacks have arrived in Limerick, Ireland ahead of their match against Munster looking to continue the same form shown in their 54-7 win at Toyota Park in Chicago.

Forward coach Carl Hoeft says, “I think we really got a good platform there for the backs and our scrum and lineout operated extremely well and with the short preparations I was pretty happy how it went.”

However, the forwards coach says there are a number of areas they need to work on this week ahead of the clash.

“Munster are a great side and they have got a very good set piece, so we will be trying to combat that as much we can with a couple of little plans we have got install.”

Munster will get an extra boost with former player Rua Tipoki who will return to watch the game. But Lowe is confident they can do the job and get a win.

Winger James Lowe says, “Hopefully we can bring that expansive play that we tried to bring against the USA and hopefully the conditions play up to what we like but Munster are a whole new beast.”

James Lowe still remembers when Doug Howett performed the Haka back to the All Blacks along with three other NZ born players including Tipoki.

“It's still fondly in my memory so it's an exciting prospect.”

The Māori All Blacks team will be named tomorrow.