Munster fell to a 31-21 defeat to Exeter in Sandy Park as the the southern province exited the Challenge Cup at the Round of 16 stage.

It was a damaging first half performance as Munster conceded 31 points without reply.

Munster were under pressure early on with Alex Nankivell and Ben O’Connor making vital interventions as the Chiefs looked to play to the edges backed by a very strong wind.

Munster defended their line bravely in these opening minutes until captain Tadhg Beirne came up with a trademark turnover to relieve the pressure and Munster cleared.

A series of penalty concessions from Exeter gave Munster their first foray into the Exeter 22 but unfortunately for Munster, the ball went forward as the visitors aimed to go through the phases.

A second penalty won at the scrum for Exeter saw Henry Slade kick his side back down to Munster’s 22. From the lineout, the ball went wide to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso who was taken down just short of the line before the ball went to Ross Vintcent who barged through for the game’s openoing try. Slade’s conversion ensured a 7-0 lead for the hosts after 15 minutes.

Munster almost got back into the game as a pull back pass from Beirne sent Gavin Coombes breaking through upfield before he passed to Jack Crowley who was brought to ground. Unfortunately for Munster, Crowley was pinged for holding on and Exeter were able to clear.

Despite Munster dominating possession, they let in a very soft try when a Nankivell pop pass was knocked on by Diarmuid Kilgallen. The ball landed nicely for Slade who sprinted clear to score under the posts.

Munster were playing in the right areas of the pitch, looking to get that score before half-time but Ben O’Connor threw an intercept pass and Will Rigg collected and ran clear for another try under the posts.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso added a try as he evaded a number of Munster tackle attempts before the break to give the home side a 31-0 lead at half-time.

Munster got their first try 10 minutes into the second half when Crowley barged over in the corner and the touchline conversion saw the scoreline at 31-7.

With 12 minutes remaining, Munster got their second try as nice pass from Casey was collected by Beirne who dotted down next to the posts. Munster faced a tough task in needing to score three tries in 10 minutes.

They had more territory in these final few minutes but only scored one try, a really well executed chip over the top of the Exeter defence from Crowley was collected by the out-half as he scored under the posts. The drop kick conversion sailed through the posts but Munster ran out of time as they took their exit from the European stage.

Munster Rugby: Ben O’Connor (O’Brien 71′); Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Diarmuid Kilgallen; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey (O’Donovan 71′); Jeremy Loughman (Milne 48′), Lee Barron (Scannell 48′), John Ryan (Ala’alatoa 48′); Edwin Edogbo, Tadhg Beirne (C); Jack O’Donoghue (Ahern 71′), Alex Kendellen (Hodnett 49′), Gavin Coombes (Quinn 49′).

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Michael Milne, Michael Ala’alatoa, Tom Ahern, Ruadhán Quinn, Ben O’Donovan, Seán O’Brien, John Hodnett.