Munster clawed their way back from a 12-point deficit, moving into the final 10 minutes, to clinch a last-minute draw with the Scarlets in the GUINNESS PRO12 today.
With Munster unable to capitalise on opening half possession due to a string of errors and ill-discipline at the breakdown, it was the Welsh side that led 12-6 at half-time after Steven Shingler and Ian Keatley exchanged penalties.
Despite moving ahead for the first time early in the second half, with a converted try from Waterford youngster Jack O’Donoghue, the Scarlets replied with a try from Hadleigh Parkes converted by Shingler, before the out-half kicked two further penalties to extend the lead to 25-13.
But a resilient fight-back saw Felix Jones and JJ Hanrahan cross in the last five minutes and with Keatley adding the second conversion, Munster snatched a draw – and two crucial league points – in the final play of the game.
Shingler opened the scoring with a penalty after three minutes although Keatley was quick to reply with his own effort after the pack secured a scrum penalty. The out-halves exchanged penalties again to make it 6-all by the end of the first half.
Shinler kicked the Llanelli outfit ahead once again when Donncha O’Callaghan was penalised for a high tackle. Four minutes later, he took advantage of Munster’s continuing discipline issues when adding his fourth successful place-kick after Tommy O’Donnell was penalised for going off his feet.
Scarlets centre Regan King was pinged for not releasing in the tackle but Keatley missed the chance to reduce the deficit as he pulled his effort from the tee wide. Munster finished out the half with 14 men after scrum half Duncan Williams was yellow carded for unnecessary use of his boot.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Anthony Foley’s men started the stronger on the resumption, applying early pressure and when back to their full complement they were rewarded when replacement O’Donoghue touched down after a series of pick and goes. It was the former Ireland Under-20 captain’s second try for Munster in seven days.
With Keatley adding the extras, the province moved ahead for the first time after 54 minutes. However, the lead was short-lived as Shingler converted his fifth shot at goal after the hosts were awarded a penalty off a scrum just inside Munster’s half.
Just moments later, a Keatley kick was blocked down and centre and man-of-the-match Parkes won the chase back, gathering the ball and scoring the Welsh region’s first try. Shingler tagged on the conversion to extend the lead to nine points.
The game moved further out of Munster’s reach after another scrum infringement and Shingler added his sixth successful penalty with a simple 68th minute effort from in front of the posts.
In the closing stages, Munster continued to attack and took advantage of the 14-man Scarlets after they had replacement lock George Earle sin-binned. Full-back Jones was first to cross after he spun around the defence out wide, and with four minutes remaining the deficit stood at seven points.
Foley’s charges rallied once again and after several phases inside the Scarlets 22, the sustained pressure paid off with Kerry native Hanrahan cutting through to score under the posts. Keatley added the conversion to draw the sides level in the final play of the game.
Munster back rowers O’Donnell and Paddy Butler were replaced during the first half and second half respectively. Both players underwent head injury assessments and will follow the return-to-play protocols.
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