They enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the opening half and went in at the break just three points down and with the home side reduced to 14 after flanker James Merriman had been yellow carded just before the half time whistle.

However Bristol made light of the numerical disadvantage and scored two penaty tries plus an intercept to put the game beyond Munster's reach and leave them looking to Melrose and Nottingham if they are to play a part in the play offs.