Munster got their Investec Champions Cup campaign back on track with a superb bonus point victory at Stade Mayol in Toulon on Saturday.
The valuable win sets up a crucial clash against Northampton Saints at Thomond Park next Saturday at 5.30pm. Buy match tickets here.
Graham Rowntree’s men knew they would need to deliver a big performance in the south of France if they were to remain contention and now they have their fate in their own hands going into the final round of matches.
Munster had to come from 10-0 behind in the opening half but by half-time had surged 17-13 in front in a cracking contest.
A Melvin Jaminet penalty and a try from deep by Duncan Paia’ava saw Toulon lead 10-0 after 23 minutes before Jack Crowley got Munster off the mark with a penalty from 40 metres.
They piled on the pressure after that and a patient build-up ended with Alex Nankivell get through to score, with Crowley converting to tie the game 10-10 nine minutes from the break.
Jaminet’s third kick of the afternoon edged Toulon back in front but Munster finished the half strongly and led 17-13 when Simon Zebo touched down after collecting a neat chip from Crowley, who converted.
Munster continued to dominate after the restart and another good chip from Crowley, this time across to the right wing, was collected by lock Tom Ahern who burst through to score and make it 22-13.
Toulon hit back and got an unconverted try from Cornell de Preez but it was Munster who finished in style and secured the try bonus point going into the final quarter.
Calvin Nash got the score when he collected a high kick from scrum-half Craig Casey down the right wing and he raced through to score, with Crowley converting to make it 29-18.
Munster defended superbly after that to close out the win and the focus will now switch to the arrival of leaders Northampton Saints to Thomond Park next Saturday.
Champions Cup Round 3 Round-Up
Simon Zebo scored his 35th Champions Cup try.
Niall Scannell made his first competitive appearance of the season.
First year Munster Rugby Academy player Brian Gleeson featured off the bench.
Munster: Simon Zebo (Seán O’Brien, 72); Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell (Joey Carbery, 71), Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey (Conor Murray, 71); Jeremy Loughman (Josh Wycherley, 77), Niall Scannell (Eoghan Clarke, 77), John Ryan (Stephen Archer, 65); Tom Ahern, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony (Alex Kendellen, 64), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes (Brian Gleeson, 77).