Ulster out-battled as Munster record another easy win
- Updated: 25/04/2026
Munster 41, Ulster 14
Before a fairly big attendanc at Thomond Park this afternoon Munster put on an impressive performance, deating a poor Ulster side in the URC.
Losing Jack Crowley in the warm-up saw JJ Hanrahan was forced to take over the number ten shirt for the home side. Ulster started with gusto and both sides had early chances. Jean Kleyn ws force off for a HIA with only three minutes played and within ten minutes Eric O’Sullivan, the Ulster prop, required attention. It was all Ulster and they were rewarded when Aitzol Arenzana-King darted over at the Mayorstone end and Jake Flannery converted. That score was well deserved with the visitors dominating most of the game at that stage.
Coming into the second quarter, Munster found their feet and theyhad a chance to level on the 23 minute mark when John Hodnett got over but the conversion went just wide of the post. Munster began to show more spirit and they went into a 12-7 twenty miutes into the game when John Hodnett touched down for the second time with Hanrahan this time finding the target. Calvin Nash suffered an ankle injury and a 50-metre kick from Craig Casey relieved pressure for Munster as the clock called the players in for the end of a most enjoyable first 40 miutes.
Alex Kindellen came on at the start of the second half and the home side were rewarded after 47 minutes when he got in for another Munster try, but the coversion was missed. With a 17-7 lead, and the crowd behind them, Munster struck again, this time Alex Kendellen dotted down which was converted, the conversion was accurate and after Craig Casey gave an accurate back-pass to to man of the match Jonn Hodnett as Munster led 29-7. With Munster on fire this time, they scored again when John Hodnett got in and JJ Hanrahan’s conversion brought the score to 34-14 and Kendellen got in for his third try as the lead went to 41-14. On the seventy mark on the clock, Munster got over again but it was disallowed.
MUNSTER: Shane Daly; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Andrew Smith; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Michael Ala’alatoa, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Dan Kelly, Alex Kendellen.
ULSTER: Michael Lowry; Aitzol Arenzana-King, Ethan McIlroy, Ben Carson, Ben Moxham; Jake Flannery, Conor McKee; Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Bryan O’Connor; Harry Sheridan, Charlie Irvine; James McKillop, Tom Brigg, Lorcan McLoughlin. Replacements: John Andrew, Callum Reid, Tom McAllister, Joe Hopes, Marcus Rea, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Jonny Scott.
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
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