MUNSTER stood firm against a spirited Scarlets fightback to take the spoils in their fourth Heineken Cup pool game, and emerging with their fourth consecutive win in the competition.
It took a second half try from Munster’s James Coughlan to bring Thomond Park in an otherwise relatively lacklustre game, with the Scarlets providing stiff opposition for the men in red.
Ronan O’Gara was first on target for the Munster men, slotting over two penalties, with Stephen Jones replying with a well-taken penalty for the Scarlets. The Munster defence were kept busy, with surging runs from Gareth Davies and Matthew Rees keeping the defence on their toes.
The first forty minutes were dull, with only three scores registered. The atmosphere in Thomond Park was one of frustration, with Munster unable to push further ahead. At half time it read 6-3 in favour of Munster.
Thankfully, the game burst to life in the second half. Scarlets’ Johnathan Edwards was sent to the sin-bin early in the second half, and Munster duly took advantage of their numerical advantage, with Coughlan crashing over the try-line. O’Gara converted with aplomb, leaving Munster leading 16-3.
However, all was not lost for the Scarlets, and replacement Ken Owens replied with a try in the 66th minute, and Rhys Priestland, now operating at fly-half following Jones’s substitution at half time, had the Welsh side back in contention following his successful conversion – the score line now read 16-10, with Munster still edging ahead.
Priestland and O’Gara again swopped penalties, but Munster’s defence again stood firm, despite strong runs from again from Davies, who impressed overall for Scarlets. However, it wasn’t to be for the Welsh side, with Munster deservedly winning on a final score of 19-13.
Conor Murray was simply outstanding for Munster, and was duly awarded the Man of the Match accolade at the final whistle, much to the delight of the Munster faithful.
Munster: Hurley; Murphy, Earls, Mafi, Zebo; O’Gara, Murray (O’Leary, 63); Du Preez (Horan, 71), Varley, Botha, O’Callaghan, O’Connell (capt), Leamy (Ryan, 63), Ronan, Coughlan (O’Donnell, 77).
Try: Coughlan
Con: O’Gara
Pens: O’Gara 4
Scarlets: Priestland; L Williams (Maule, 63), S Williams, J Davies, Lamont; S Jones (Longi, halftime), G Davies (Knoyle, 67); R Jones (John, 67), Rees (Owens, 63), R Thomas, Reed, Welch (Timani, 67), McCusker, Edwards (Murphy, 71), Morgan.
Try: Owens
Con: Priestland
Pens: S Jones, Priestland
Referee: Dave Pearson (England)
Attendance: 26,500
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