Munster got back to winning ways when they outscored Dragons by seven tries to two in this BKT United Rugby Championship at Musgrave Park.
Graham Rowntree’s men were on top throughout against an understrength Dragons side who were missing seven internationals who were in action for Wales against the Barbarians in Cardiff.
Munster were also without most of their World Cup players but Craig Casey started and Jack Crowley came off the bench on a night when former Cork minor and U-20 All-Ireland winning hurler Ben O’Connor made his debut.
Another academy player Tony Butler was superb in his first start at out-half, while Tipperary native Brian Gleeson crossed for his first try for the province.
Munster got on top from the outset and were well on their way to victory when they opened up a 17-0 lead after 23 minutes.
Rory Scannell got over for the opening try after 15 minutes, with Butler converting, and four minutes later Gavin Coombes drove over.
Man of the match Calvin Nash got the first of his two tries but Ryan Woodman pulled back a try to cut the gap to 17-7 at the break.
A patient build-up produced the bonus point try after 48 minutes with Edwin Edogbo making inroads before his equally promising lock partner Tom Ahern stretched to score for the second week in a row. Butler converted to make it 24-7.
Munster pushed on from there with Craig Casey scoring before Gleeson got his first try for Munster.
Nash scored his second try after a grubber from Jack Crowley but the winger limped off after being injured in the process.
Dragons scored in the final play when replacement prop Aki Seiuli got over.
URC Round 3 Round-Up
Calvin Nash was awarded the BKT Player of the Match.
Nash departed with an injury after scoring his second try.
Summer additions Alex Nankivell and Seán O’Brien make their first starts for Munster.
Brian Gleeson scored his first try for the club.
Academy out-half Tony Butler makes his first competitive start for Munster and kicked eight points.
Seven Academy players lined out for Munster tonight with 10 Academy players now featuring over the first three games of the season.
It’s a six day turnaround for Munster as we travel to take on Ulster next Friday.
Munster: Shane Daly (Ben O’Connir, 64); Seán O’Brien, Alex Nankivell, Rory Scannell, Calvin Nash; Tony Butler (Jack Crowley, 67), Craig Casey (Paddy Patterson, 55); Kieran Ryan (Mark Donnelly, 70), Diarmuid Barron (Scott Buckley, 64), John Ryan (Stephen Archer, 70); Edwin Edogbo (Brian Gleeson, 55), Tom Ahern; Jack O’Donoghue (C) (Ruadhán Quinn, 69), Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.