Munster win in emphatic fashion at Thomond Park

Munster emerged victorious at the end of a fiercely fought contest against Gloucester in front of a packed Thomond Park

Ronan O’ Gara opened the scoring with a penalty goal in the opening minutes. Gloucester replied soon after to bring the sides level at 3-3. John Kelly went over for Munster’s first try of the game.

Mercier brought Gloucester closer with a penalty goal but O’ Gara replied, making it 11-6. Gloucester were reduced to 14 men when Peter Buxton was sent to the sin-bin. In the dying minutes of the first half, Mossie Lawlor went over the line. The half time score, 16-6.

O’ Gara opened the scoring in the second half. His penalty goal was followed by a Mick O Driscoll try. The conversion made it 26-6. Gloucester were down a man for the second time when Olivier Azan went to the sin-bin. With only minutes to go John Kelly went over for Munster’s fourth try. O’ Gara converted, the final score 33-6.