Two qualifying URC games to go for Magnificent Munster

Munster 47, Connacht 12:

ANOTHER bonus point win for the holders today in Thomond Park in Limerick as Munster tighten their  grip on the trophy. Connacht were in the game  midway through the second half but not for the first time in this URC league, Munster’s strong bench delivered. 

For most of the first 28 minutes Munster dominated and it was no surprise when they got the first score of the game, RG Snyman’s long arm once again crucial, touching down from one of the many home assaults on the Connacht line. With Connacht reduce to 14 players, Shaymus Hurley-Langron sent off, Munster struck again with one of the most magnificent individual tries this venue has seen for some time. Fielding a high clearance outside his own 22, Calvin Nash too off at speed and he sliced through the visitors’ defence to touch down near the corner at the Mayorstone end.

A lead of 14 points did not reflect the Munster possession and they were caught napping just before the break, left wing Byron Raiston, touching down far out with Jack Crowley adding the difficult conversion. It was now all to play for in the second half with only seven points between the sides.

Connacht had a great chance to level the tie after five minutes and they were left to regret with Munster Ales Nankivell racing half the length of the Thomond Park sod to go over, Crowley converted and the scoreboard looked better for the home fans at 21-7 and three tries in the bag. Archer was replaced by Oli Jager on the 50 minute mark and Connacht were denied a second touchdown on 59 minutes because of a ‘foot in touch.’ The Westerners continued to edge proceedings but their hopes were dashed when Conor Murray finished off a terrific bit of passing rugby to in under the posts and Joey Carbery added the bonus point extras.

Connacht once again showed their grit and left winger Byron Ralston got in for his second try with Harty missing the conversion on 65 minutes. The try feast continued with Joey Carbery converting his own try as the lead reached 35-12. Munster’s sixth try came four minutes later, Tom Ahern bursting through as the lead reached 40-12. Munster capped their good performance with the final play of the game, Joey Carbery converting a try by Shane Daly.

Next up for the holders is a trip to Edinburgh followed by another inter-provincial, this time against Ulster, in Thomond Park.

Munster: Simon Zebo, Calvin Nash, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (c), Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen, Jack O’Donoghue
Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Mark Donnelly, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Antoine Frisch
Connacht: Tiernan O’Halloran, Shane Jennings, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston, Jack Carty (c) Matthew Devine, Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Oisín Dowling, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Conor Oliver, Paul Boyle.
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Niall Murray, Sean Jansen, Caolin Blade, Cathal Forde, Jarrad Butler

You must be logged in to post a comment Login