- Munster’s fixtures for the run-in to Guinness PRO14
- Craig Casey gets the call as Ireland name their 6N 36
- The ‘Clueless Munster’ tag hits a nerve locally
- Late try snatches likely victory away from Munster
- Classic derby game beckons as teams are named
- Tension mounts as local clubs feature in second last fence of Munster Junior League 1
- Impressive win for Clonmel on UL pitch keeps them on title target
- Will Joe Schmidt ring the changes for the Scottish game?
- Cancellations a-plenty as Munster Junior Cup gathers momentum
- Henshaw at full-back not really a gamble as Ireland name their team
- Ian excited about exploring new horizons as he plans two moves
- Nine local clubs in Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup action this week-end
- UL Bohemian and Thomond advance in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup
- Abbeyfeale lift the Transfield Cup for the first time since 1977
- Young Munster facing battle to avoid the drop
- Munster fight hard for victory in Rodney Parade
- Bonus point for Garryowen as Shannon fail to build on recent form
- AIL: Shannon win, Young Munster and Garryowen lose today in 1A
- AIL wins tonight for Old Crescent in 2A and Thomond in 2C
- John Ryan for Archer the only change on the Munster team
- Key Euro games for referees Neville, Clancy, Brace and Lacey
- Frank Quinn’s review of the final pools games of Heineken Cup
- Decent Munster representation on Ireland Six Nations squad
- English clubs’ wretched record at Thomond Park: 21 defeats, 2 wins
- A Newcastle view as their side fails to get winning bonus point
- Is the Transfield Cup final to take place in the Markets Field?
- Defeat for Richmond today dents their junior league title hopes
- Brave Garryowen’s late strike gives them ticket to Bateman decider
- Munster march on towards another home Heineken Cup quarter final
- Munster and Gloucester announce their teams for to-morrow night’s game
- All to play for as Munster Junior League division one hots up
- Garryowen keen to avoid their third successive cup defeat
- Munster’s Ian Keatley seems set to join Benetton Treviso
- Leinster are still the favourites to retain the Champions Cup
- Thomond and Bruff advance in cup: Newcastle drop league points
- Munster superb as they hold on for bonus point victory
- Munster’s away form will again be tested in the Showgrounds
- Munster Senior Cup retains its magic as Garryowen seek more glory
- Leinster’s winger James Lowe is suspended for two weeks
- Local referees are included in Guinness PRO14 week-end fixtures list
- St Mary’s, Thomond, Newcastle West, Bruff in league and cup action
- Brilliant Earls try seals victory over Leinster
- Young Munster romp home with comfortable Charity Cup win
- 12 changes as Munster prepare for another Thomond Park epic
- Frank Murphy to referee Munster v Leinster PRO14 fixture
- Full house for Munster and Leinster showdown at Thomond Park
- Christmas 2018 marks a record year for Limerick Rugby website
- Ulster happy with home win while Munster settle for single point
- van Graan makes 13 changes for visit to Kingspan Stadium
- Rallier and Kockott are suspended after commissioner citings
Munster superb as they hold on for bonus point victory
- Updated: 05/01/2019

(Munster coach Johaan van Graan will be happy with this performance)
Guinness PRO14 Championship:
Connacht 24, Munster 31
IT was an impressive show by Munster tonight in the Showgrounds in Galway. Their game management was high quality and they were full value for their bonus point victory that puts them on top of their Conference.
To their credit, Connacht had their moments and they fought back bravely to get a losing bonus point. Overall, Munster were the better side and if Gloucester were watching, they will be concerned regarding next Friday night’s Heineken Cup game.
To the man, the red pack put in a terrific shift. They fought like tigers in the loose and in the tight, their lineout was almost faultless and they provided the platform for some very astute kicking options from those behind them.
Connacht took the lead when Tom Farrell ripped the ball from Arno Botha and ran clear to the try line, Jack Harty adding the two points after just ten minutes. The score provided a wake-up call for Munster and Earls set up Peter O’Mahony for a try at the other end, Carbery’s conversion levelling the tie at 7-7 with 16 minutes played.
Dan Goggin was looking sharp and he scored the first of his two tries on 25 minutes, converted by Carbery as Munster went 7-14 clear. Jack Carty slotted over a penalty on the stroke of half time to keep his side in it at the break, 10-14. There was an explosive start to the second half, Tom Farrell sending winger Cian Kelliher clear for Connacht’s second try and Harty’s conversion putting the home side 17-14 to the good.
Connacht lost their way after that, Dan Goggin racing in for his second try, converted by Carbery, to put Munster back in the lead at 17-21. Carbery then hit a purple patch, adding a penalty, a try and a conversion to push the visitors into a 17-31 advantage and the bonus point secured.
Connacht made a late charge, Jack Carty bursting clear down the middle for a well taken try which he also converted and although his side fought tenaciously to get a share of the points, Munster closed out the game with some comfort.
A good performance by Johaan van Graan’s side which augurs well for that Champions Cup game next week-end in Gloucester.
Connacht: Darragh Leader, Cian Kelleher, Tom Farrell, Tom Daly, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Peter McCabe, Dave Heffernan (Capt), Dominic Robertson McCoy, Gavin Thornbury, Quinn Roux, Paul Boyle, Colby Fainga’a, Eoghan Masterson.
Replacements (16-23): Tom McCartney, Maddie Bourke, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Cillian Gallagher, Angus Lloyd, David Horwitz, Colm DeBuitlear.
Munster: Andrew Conway; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Dan Goggin, Alex Wootton; Joey Carbery, Alby Mathewson; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (C), Tommy O’Donnell, Arno Botha.
Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Dave Kilcoyne, Stephen Archer, Billy Holland, CJ Stander, Conor Murray, Tyler Bleyendaal, Sammy Arnold
You must be logged in to post a comment Login