Commentating on the All Blacks emotional return to Thomond Park two years ago left such an impression on Conrad Smith he has nominated Munster as a potential destination if he leaves New Zealand rugby.

Smith was in the stands at Limerick to help describe the most memorable experience of that Grand Slam tour for listeners back home via radio - a last-minute 18-16 victory over a Munster team that almost matched the achievement of their illustrious predecessors in 1978 and become only the second Irish team to beat the All Blacks.

The 43-test centre confirmed his commitment to the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Hurricanes in August when he extended his contract through to the end of 2012 but when asked by Irish media if a move to Munster might appeal before the end of his career, the 29 year-old would not rule it out.

"I got a taste of Munster when we came over the last time and I was impressed," he said.

"The passion they have for rugby is pretty strong, it was cool.

"I'm a player that is fuelled by passion. I'm not particularly big or fast, I need to really believe in who I'm playing for.

"I need to play where I'm passionate about and I grew up wanting to play for the Hurricanes and the All Blacks and I feel that if I played for a random team over there (Europe) the same drive wouldn't be there.

"For now, I'm happy playing in New Zealand but (playing for Munster) is pretty appealing."

Munster's strong Kiwi connection was personified two years ago when Smith's former international teammate Doug Howlett and North Harbour's Ranfurly Shield-winning captain Rua Tipoki performed a haka in response to the All Blacks pre-match challenge - an action that set the tone for a classic encounter only sealed by the All Blacks when Joe Rokocoko eluded Howlett to score the match-winner.

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