A bonus point try win for Munster Rugby while playing an hour with fourteen players. They played with thirteen players for fifteen minutes of that period. A key win in the race for a playoff berth.
Alex Nankivell with an early red card on twenty-three minutes. Nankivell’s contact on Prendergast at the breakdown sufficient to issue a red card. Prendergast stretchered off.
The red card issued when Munster were in the ascendancy. Two early tries on the board, the pack on the front foot. Tom Ahern with a super opener and Craig Casey touched down soon after.
The fixture played in tricky windy conditions. Connacht Rugby though warming to the task. Sean Hansen touching down from close range when presented with a defensive mismatch.
The second half ebbed and flowed throughout. Munster Rugby controlling possession well and being patient with ball in hand. Crowley an instrumental cog in Munster’s cameo.
Connacht Rugby though refusing not to go away and when presented with space broke Munster Rugby’s defensive line for tries. Gavin and Aki creating gain line success.
Four tries scored and one left behind as Tierney-Martin effort chalked off due to an Aki neck roll on Coombes. The lineout also malfunctioned at the death when knocking on Munster Rugby’s try line.
Munster Rugby finishing the game with thirteen players. Scannell yellow carded to add to the Beirne yellow card in the third quarter. Discipline issues to address ahead of La Rochelle.
This Munster Rugby win will boost confidence in the group. A win against the odds. The team secured a win. This effectively eliminates Connacht Rugby from the URC playoff race. They still have a SA trip to come.
Connacht Rugby have leaked 73 points in their last two URC games. Their attacking shape impressive but defensive side of the ball exposed again.
A lost opportunity for Connacht Rugby given the player numerical advantage throughout. Castlebar a super venue which should be the first of many excursions to Mayo for the province.