In Pics: Munster 36 Edinburgh 15

Pictured above: Italian prop Federico Pucciariello plunges over for Munster’s first try after four minutes at Thomond Park. The 5ft 9in front rower was scoring his second try in as many League games.

Ireland lock Paul O’Connell on the attack for Munster.

Having watched his men run in six sizzling tries for a morale-boosting win, Munster coach Declan Kidney said afterwards: “We managed to take our opportunities, which was pleasing. We defended when we had to and while there are obviously areas that we must look at – it’s always nice to get a win after three defeats in-a-row (in the Celtic League).

“What pleased me most was the way the players took ownership of what was happening out there. We lost at Thomond Park the last time we played here and didn’t want that to happen again.”

Munster full-back Shaun Payne on the burst with scrum half Peter Stringer in support. The 34-year-old Payne nipped in at the left corner for a first half try – his 15th in 63 Celtic League games.

Hooker Jerry Flannery tries to keep a move going at Thomond Park. Flannery’s first half score was his second in 11 League outings this season.

The Shannon number 2 picked up a knock on his Achilles tendon and was forced off at the interval of the Edinburgh game, but he is expected to be fit for Sunday’s Heineken Cup clash with Leinster.

John Kelly, Allister Hogg and Jerry Flannery compete for the ball during Munster’s fifth successive victory over Edinburgh.

David Wallace is tackled as he leads a Munster attack. Last Saturday marked the Irish flanker’s 40th appearance in the Celtic League. He has scored 8 tries in four seasons in the competition.

Ireland “A” winger Ian Dowling carries forward with centre Trevor Halstead in support. The Kilkenny native, 23, helped Munster go in at the break against the Gunners with a 22-7 lead, thanks to his first Celtic League try in eight appearances.

Jerry Flannery leads the Munster charge. Just like his Irish team mate Wallace, Flannery was playing his 40th Celtic League game on Saturday.

Lock Donncha O’Callaghan halts the progress of Gunners prop Craig Smith. Former All Black Todd Blackadder, Edinburgh’s coach, said of Munster’s performance: “I’d describe them as clinical. We have played some tough teams this year but Munster’s performance tonight was exceptional and they were probably the best side (we’ve coem up against) in the Celtic League so far.”

**All photos by Billy Stickland of Inpho Photography**