Rokocoko was the only surviving member from the side that beat Ireland at Croke Park, but Munster were also missing 10 first-team players in their first game since October 24.

Leading 16-10 at half-time and 16-13 in the closing stages, Munster had the All Blacks rattled, as evidenced by Stephen Donald's uncharacteristic return of three penalties from seven attempts.

But coach Graham Henry was able to use an experienced bench and, allied to some energetic carries from number eight Liam Messam, Rokocoko's dancing feet eventually proved decisive.

Paul Warwick opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a 47-metre penalty after New Zealand were penalised for going over the top at a ruck.

But Denis Leamy, whose night was prematurely ended by injury, infringed from the restart, allowing Donald to draw the tourists level.

Donald looked dangerous with ball in hand but Munster's tackling was solid and Peter Stringer drew admiration for thwarting a right-wing surge from Rokocoko.

Helped by their vocal backing, Munster grew in stature and enjoyed an excellent spell midway through the half.

Two aerial attacks, with Niall Ronan and Rua Tipoki regaining possession, had the All Blacks on the back foot. Donald coughed up a penalty and Warwick sneaked a left-sided kick over for 6-3.

The Australian number 10 followed up with a stunning drop goal after another lively spurt of attacking play from Munster.

However, the home side were brought back to earth with the concession of a 23rd-minute try.

Isaia Toeava was involved twice after a costly Munster turnover and Donald was able to dart in behind the posts.

He converted for a 10-9 lead and Henry's men suddenly looked to be getting a grip on the game, albeit with Donald missing a kickable penalty.

The Munster pack heaped pressure on the New Zealand scrum six minutes before the interval, allowing Ronan to hack the ball on and Donald had to dive to foil the home side.

Their resistance did not last long however, and from the resulting five-metre scrum James Coughlan broke and fed Stringer who managed to offload and send Barry Murphy over on the right for a superb try.

Warwick converted and Munster weathered a storm to take a six-point buffer into the second half, which predictably began amid a torrent of New Zealand pressure.

The All Blacks came out strongly and Munster required a vital tackle by Murphy on Jamie Mackintosh to avoid what looked a certain try.

After a Tipoki infringement Donald cut the gap to 16-13 and the All Blacks should really have steadied themselves with penalties after 50 and 56 minutes, but Donald missed both.

Munster tried desperately to cling on but eventually the match-winning score arrived.

From a lineout the ball was carried forward in a maul before Mils Muliaina sent Rokocoko stepping past Doug Howlett - the man whose All Black try-scoring record he is chasing - and over the line to deny Munster a famous win.