Tonight’s clash against Ospreys was Munster’s first senior men’s game in Bridgend since 2001. On a windy and cold night Munster brought real physicality, were strong in defence and soaked up Ospreys pressure, with a 16-point lead after the first 40.
It was more even in the second half, the hosts gaining their first and only try, and Munster scoring their bonus point through Mike Haley.
Next Munster will take on Leinster at Thomond Park Saturday, December 27th, 7.45pm kick-off. This is now sold out.
The initial phases of play unfolded in the middle of the pitch with neither side able to get the upper hand. Ospreys looked like the first to make a formulated attack, but a crossfield kick went wide.
The first points came after 10 minutes from out-half Dan Edwards as Munster were penalised for not rolling away, the hosts led by 3.
Shane Daly made several good breaks down the wing, chipping the ball behind the Ospreys defence. Munster earnt a penalty thanks to pressure from Jack O’Donoghue and Mike Haley. Max Nagy was shown yellow and the Welshmen reduced to 14 men.
One year to the day since his last URC try, Daly went over for Munster’s first score, Gavin Coombes passing to the winger who dove over in the left corner. Jack Crowley missed the tricky conversion.
Ospreys earnt themselves another penalty, but Edwards missed the long-range kick. Munster maintained their lead going into the second quarter 3-5.
Mike Haley’s kick to clear the ball was charged down on the edge of the visitors 22, but Daly managed to recover it and kicked the ball out.
Munster patiently continued their attack, and five minutes before half-time Lee Barron got himself onto the score sheet. Munster showed real physicality to get their maul over the line and down for the try. Crowley converted despite the wind to extend Munster’s lead by nine points.
Crowley scored Munster’s third in the 40th minute and converted to finish the first half 3-19.
Munster’s try bonus point came from a well worked team try. A big maul followed by a dominant carry from Alex Nankivell, who then offloaded to Tom Farrell sent Mike Haley round for the try behind the posts. A straightforward conversion was secured by Crowley.
Ospreys responded with a try of their own and their first of the day as Morgan Morris dotted down. The resolute Munster defence wasn’t quite enough to keep them at bay. Edwards converted. Jack O’Donoghue was sent to the sin bin after the men in red had conceded several penalties in a row.
The home side had much of the possession in this half but were unable to convert that into points.
With ten minutes to go Munster looked like they were going to get over from a rolling maul, but Kieran Hardy kept the ball held up.
Round 7 Round up
Munster secured a bonus point win.
Alex Nankivell was the BKT URC Player of the Match.
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley (JJ Hanrahan 64’), Paddy Patterson (Ethan Coughlan 69’); Jeremy Loughman (Michael Milne 64’), Niall Scannell (Lee Barron 30’), Michael Ala’alatoa (Conor Bartley 55’); Jean Kleyn (Edwin Edogbo 55’), Fineen Wycherley (Tom Ahern 72’); Jack O’Donoghue (C), Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes (John Hodnett 64’).
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Conor Bartley, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Ahern, Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan, John Hodnett.