In miserable conditions it was a night for hard work as Munster just managed to squeeze the victory against Edinburgh in Myreside.
Hailed as an ugly performance the province moved to the top of the Guinness PRO12 table with the 10-9 win.
In a frustrating opening half the men in red were unable to turn their opportunities into scores, failing to capitalise on dominant possession with errors and indiscipline proving costly.
Edinburgh went at the break leading by two points and would be happy with their return after the limited possession and territory during the opening forty.
Jason Tovey kicked three from the tee to put his side ahead while Munster’s opening try came from Ronan O’Mahony as the winger increased his season’s try scoring tally to eight.
After winning the opening scrum against the head Munster were later pinged in the set piece with Jason Tovey kicking the opening points on offer after seven minutes.
A limited period of cohesive play followed and after a series of pick and goes the forwards edged closer before man of the match Ronan O’Mahony darted over when picking off the subtlest of offloads from captain Tyler Bleyendaal. The Kiwi outhalf added the extras.
After 25 minutes Duncan Williams found himself in the bin after he played the ball from an offside position and the home side used the time and attacking pressure to add two penalties from the boot of Tovey.
A late onslaught saw the Munster pack driving low for the line with replacement prop Dave Kilcoyne just held up by the red and black defence on the half-time whistle.
Not a night for running rugby both sides heavily relied on their kicking game in looking to gain territory.
The first points of the second half came after 66 minutes with Bleyendaal just nudging Munster ahead when Edinburgh were penalised for using their hands on the ground.
With the clock on eighty Edinburgh held on to their possession and drama ensued four minutes in to extra time when Duncan Hodge’s men were awarded the penalty after Munster players were slow to roll away.
Fullback Blair Kinghorn stepped up for the long-range kick but was just short with his 51-metre attempt and Munster held on for a one-point win to put them top of the PRO12 table.
Round 13 round-up: With four academy players in the squad first year academy player Calvin Nash made his debut starting on the wing.
Prop Peter McCabe made his first start for Munster while Stephen Archer made his 100th Guinness PRO12 appearance.
Ronan O’Mahony picked up his first man of the match award and extended his try scoring record to eight tries this season.
Munster: Jaco Taute; Calvin Nash (R Scannell 47), Francis Saili, Dan Goggin; Ronan O'Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal Capt, Duncan Williams; Peter McCabe (D Kilcoyne 31), Rhys Marshall (K O’Byrne 52), Stephen Archer (B Scott 52); Jean Kleyn, Dave Foley (B Holland 43); Dave O'Callaghan, Conor Oliver (T O’Donnell 43), Jack O'Donoghue.
Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, Dave Kilcoyne, Brian Scott, Darren O'Shea, Billy Holland, Tommy O'Donnell, Angus Lloyd, Rory Scannell.