Hanrahan Kicks Munster Clear Of Scarlets

Munster made it back-to-back wins in the GUINNESS PRO12 as they dispatched the Scarlets in a forgettable encounter at Thomond Park tonight.

Andrew Smith touched down and JJ Hanrahan kicked four penalties to give Anthony Foley’s men some decent form heading into next week’s European Champions Cup opener away to Sale Sharks.

Australian centre Smith scored his second PRO12 try to give Munster an 8-6 half-time lead. Rhys Priestland’s two penalties pushed him past the 1,000-point mark in his Scarlets career.

The second half was particularly listless with handling errors on both sides, and out-half Hanrahan reeled off penalties after 42, 49 and 60 minutes to guide his province home.

Felix Jones’ late withdrawal was the ninth change to the Munster team that enjoyed a 34-23 derby victory over Leinster last Saturday, with Johne Murphy coming in at full-back.

Priestland had given the Scarlets the lead in the second minute, drilling a long range drop goal over with the cushion of a penalty advantage.

After a Hanrahan penalty miss, Munster had much of the territory in the first quarter but lacked possession as Johan Snyman and Rory Pitman helped the visitors hold onto scrappy ball.

A successful 21st minute from Hanrahan settled Munster down, rewarding some solid scrummaging from BJ Botha and a half-break from Smith.

Their pick and drive efforts, which were so effective against Leinster, set up the only try just three minutes later as 20-plus phases wore down the yellow-shirted Scarlets defence. Final passes from Conor Murray and Hanrahan released Smith to finish well in the right corner.

Hanrahan was narrowly wide with the conversion and Priestland miscued a kickable penalty. His half-back partner Aled Davies was then crowded out after initially finding some space on the left wing.

Priestland struck the right hand post with another penalty attempt before landing a more central effort in the 38th minute, cutting the gap to two points at the interval.

Hanrahan took back those three points with an early penalty in the second period, but the Kerry youngster blotted his copybook with a poor miss in the 46th minute.

Hands in the ruck from Liam Williams invited Hanrahan forward again and he made amends to kick Munster 14-6 in front.

The Scarlets proved tough to break down however, and Munster had to rely on Hanrahan’s right boot again on the hour mark with his latest three-pointer punishing Samson Lee for a scrum infringement.

Knock-ons from Simon Zebo (pictured above) and Michael Tagicakibau blighted long range counter attacks at both ends of the pitch and while Munster’s bench impressed – notably, James Cronin and Robin Copeland – two TMO decisions correctly went against the hosts as both Cronin and Murphy were held up short.

Argentinian hooker Eusebio Guinazu also came on to make his debut in the 51st minute, while fit-again captain Peter O’Mahony importantly got some more game-time under his belt ahead of the opening European fixtures.

Speaking afterwards, O’Mahony said: “Yeah, personally happy I came through it. I thought we were poor in the first half. We didn’t hold onto the ball, too many handling errors. From a personal point of view, a bit sore, a few dunts, but happy out.

“I think the first thing we have to do is look at ourselves. We had too many handling errors, we were too loose when it came to ball carrying. There were a few of us who dropped balls.

“To be fair, I think the conditions were tough – they probably didn’t look as tough as they were out there. It was fairly greasy, a slippy ball, but I’ve no complaints about the referee. I think our ball handling was just below average today.

“We said it before the game – we weren’t happy with our performances at home over the last couple of weeks. It’s important that we get this place back to a bit of a fortress. To come away with four points was obviously the outcome (that we wanted), and that rolls us into the European Cup nicely.”