Leinster hang on for earned victory in Thomond Park.

Munster  8, Leinster 13

A full house, perfect surface and a seasonal battle between two of the most competitive teams in rugby. What more would you want? 

Leinster dominated the opening stages but a turnover five metrres from the try line was tuened over th the home defence. A third penalty for Leinster paid dividends when Josh van der Flier got over the line with Harry Byrne adding the extras giving Leinster a 7-0 lead after seven minutes. going into the end of the first quarter Munster launched a series of attacks at the Mayorstone end but Mike Haley spilled the final pass. As the  penalty count began to drift towards the visitors Leinster just edged it

Munster were on the attack with the clock going into the red, they atacked down the right flank but referee Peter Martin had seen enough and guided the teams to the dressing rooms. It had been an equal first half which was restricted to one converted try and in the second 40 minutes this game was all to play for.

Playing with the light wind to their benefit, Leinster controled the start of the second half and for the opening ten minutes Leinster were on top. Munster just could not set up an attacking move and when Leinster got the better of a scrum they decided to go for the posts with Harry Byrne putting the score ui to 10-0. That lead did not last long, Jack Crowley kicking his side’s first points as the score read 3-10 going into the last quarter. Leinster went 3-13 ahead as this game began to loosen up, Byrne again was accurate from the tee. Munster’s first and only chance of the game came on the 66 minute when they had a man over as they battered the Leinster line but a knock-on slpoiled the opportuity.

Continued attack paid its reward, Dan Kelly finishing a fluent passing to score a try, but the conversion was missed by Crowley but this result was on the cards at 8-13 with seven minutes to go. Munster then were rewarded a penalty, they kicked for lineout possession and with the clock in the red a knock-on near the posts spoiled Munster’s final chance.

Munster Rugby: Mke Haley, Shane Daly, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Michael Milne, Lee Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Ahern, Tadhg Beirne (c), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Jeremy Loughman, John Ryan, Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley, Paddy Patterson, Dan Kelly, John Hodnett.
Leinster Rugby: Ciarán Frawley, Tommy O’Brien, Rieko Ioane, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Harry Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (c)
Replacements: John McKee, Paddy McCarthy, Tadhg Furlong, Diarmuid Mangan, Scott Penny, Fintan Gunne, Charlie Tector, Andrew Osborne.
Referee: Peter Martin (IRFU, 10th league game)
AR 1: Keane Davison (IRFU) AR 2: Andrew Fogarty (IRFU)
TMO: Mark Patton (IRFU)

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