Munster secured a come from behind 22-20 win over Welsh side Dragons at rain and wind-swept Virgin Media Park on Friday night.

Munster halted the unwelcome run of defeats over the last number of weeks to grind out a hard-fought win against an ever-improving Dragons side.

Ultimately, it was the introduction of Gavin Coombes in the second half which proved crucial as the Skibbereen man powered over for two crucual tries before Tony Butler notched a penalty in the final 10 minutes to get Munster ahead for the first time in the match.

In what was a scrappy opening 10 minutes, Munster struggled to get out of their own half with a very strong breeze coming down from the Dolphin end of the ground. A penalty concession for offside from Munster allowed the Welsh side to take the lead through a well taken penalty from Angus O’Brien.

Dragons went further ahead approaching the 20 minute mark when a rolling maul saw hooker Brodie Coghlan power over for the game’s opening try which O’Brien converted.

From the kick-off, Thaakir Abrahams was tackled in the air which led to a yellow card for Dragons’ Harry Beddall. Despite being down to 14 men, Dragons extended their lead with another penalty from O’Brien.

Munster did get a crucial try as the game neared the half-time interval. A number of penalty concessions from Dragons saw Munster go through a number of phases close to the visitors’ line and eventually Brian Gleeson plundered over from close range to get Munster off the mark. Butler’s conversion ensured a five point deficit going into the half-time break.

A mix up in the Munster backfield saw no one collect a high ball which allowed Tinus de Beer to collect, carry and offload to Dai Richards for a simple try which was converted by O’Brien.

Gavin Coombes, who came on for Jean Kleyn in the second half, got Munster’s second try when he powered over from a ruck close to the Dragons’ line but unfortunately Butler’s conversion went wide.

Coombes was on the scene again just minutes later when Munster went through 20+ phases close to the Dragons line before the man from Skibb powered over for the home side’s third try. Butler nailed a difficult conversion to put Munster just one point behind their opponents with 15 minutes remaining.

With six minutes remaining, Butler notched over a penalty in front of the posts to take 22-20 lead.

Munster let opportunities pass them by to secure the bonus point which was disappointing but head coach Clayton McMillan will be pleased with how his charges rolled their sleeves up to dig out a win in what was a difficult night for rugby in Cork.

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Seán Edogbo was awareded the BKY Player of the Match on what was his senior competitive debut for Munster.

JJ Hanrahan was ruled out of the match ahead of kick-off.

Munster are up to third in the table albeit with a number of games still to be played this weekend.

Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Thaakir Abrahams, Dan Kelly, Alex Nankivell (Kilgallen 43′), Shane Daly; Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan; Jeremy Loughman (Wycherley 49′), Diarmuid Barron (C), Michael Ala’alatoa (Jager 49′); Jean Kleyn (Coombes 56′), Fineen Wycherley (O’Connell 49′); Seán Edogbo, Ruadhán Quinn, Brian Gleeson.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, Oli Jager, Evan O’Connell, Gavin Coombes, Paddy Patterson, Jack O’Donoghue, Diarmuid Kilgallen.