The All Blacks' bruising 23-13 victory over then-world No 1 Ireland in Dublin last weekend has come at a cost.

The All Blacks XV outlast a passionate Irish club Munster 38-24 at Thomond Park in Limerick.

Three All Blacks loose-forwards have been ruled out of Saturday weeks test against Japan in Yokohama.

Twenty-one years of frustration and pain were blasted away by the Blues in the Super Rugby Pacific final.

The Crusaders remain alive for the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs after springing the upset of the season.

The Blues ran in eight tries against the Western Force to move to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.