Munster returned to winning ways in the URC after earning a hard-fought 17-10 win over the Emirates Lions at Thomond Park.
Munster trailed 7-10 at the break after Thaakir Abrahams notched his first Munster try in the first half before second-half tries from Shane Daly and Alex Kendellen secured the win.
Munster started positively with Diarmuid Barron making a dangerous linebreak in the opening four minutes but the ball was turned over soon after and the chance went.
Munster had plenty of possession over the next five minutes but were unable to create any clear cut chances when a knock on eventually handed possession back to the visitors.
On 13 minutes, a superb kick from Billy Burns pinned the Lions back next to their own try line. It was from this territory that Thaakir Abrahams almost went over for his first Munster try but he was stopped just short.
However, he wouldn’t be denied moments later when the winger used his acceleration and power to burst through two tackle attempts and cross for the opening try of the game. Burns landed the conversion to give Munster a 7-0 lead after 16 minutes.
Less than five minutes later, the Lions almost got back into the game but some determined maul defence kept the South African side out when it looked like a try was on the cards.
With 28 minutes on the clock, the Lions got back into the game with a try from Henco Van Wyk which was converted by Kade Wolhuter. It was a poor try to give away as it resulted from a spilled ball from Munster and although Wolhuter had a lot of work to do, he evaded enough tackles to get over the Munster line.
The Lions took the lead a few minutes later when Munster indiscipline at the breakdown gave Wolhuter an opportunity for a kick at the posts which he converted to give the Lions a 7-10 lead.
At the start of the second half, Munster retook the lead when Abrahams’ electric pace set him clear for the line before he offloaded to Shane Daly who crossed for Munster’s second try. Burns was off target with the conversion as Munster now led 12-10.
Munster continued to dominate possession and with 15 minutes gone in the second half, Alex Kendellen got over for Munster’s third try of the game after a number of phases close to the Lions line. Unfortunately, Burns’ conversion drifted wide with Munster’s lead now at seven points.
The visitors started to get their share of territory and possession but Munster’s defence held firm with Tom Farrell coming up with a very important turnover as the game entered its final 10 minutes.
In a topsy turvy final 10 minutes, Munster came close to securing the bonus point win but also lived dangerously as Lions attacked in the Munster 22.
However, the match ended 17-10 in Munster’s favour with Stade Francais to visit Thomond Park next Saturday in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup.
URC Round 7 Round-Up
Jack O’Donoghue was awarded the Player of the Match.
Thaakir Abrahams scored his first try for Munster.
Munster secured their third win of the URC campaign after tonight’s win over the Lions.
Munster: Mike Haley (40′); Shay McCarthy, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Billy Burns (Butler 61′), Ethan Coughlan (Patterson 52); Dian Bleuler (Ryan 67′), Diarmuid Barron (C) (Scannell 61′), John Ryan (Archer 56); Evan O’Connell (Quinn 71′), Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen (Hodnett 56′), Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Kieran Ryan, Stephen Archer, Ruadhán Quinn, John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Shane Daly.