Leinster Claim Derby Spoils In Thrilling Six-Try Clash

Leinster staved off a fast-finishing Munster as Guinness PRO14 rugby returned to Irish shores, with just a kick of the ball between these great rivals in a memorable behind-closed-doors battle at the Aviva Stadium.

As It Happened: Leinster v Munster Live Blog

Almost six months on from their last game of this Coronavirus-disrupted season, Garry Ringrose’s late first-half try snatched a 17-13 lead and put Leinster on their way in this exciting six-try shootout.

JJ Hanrahan’s reliable right boot had Munster 13-10 ahead, with Andrew Conway and Cian Healy swapping early tries. However, their hopes of improving their second-place standing in Conference B were hit by injuries.

James Lowe romped clear to put Leinster 11 points clear with half-an-hour remaining. Keith Earls and Conway crossed in a stirring Munster fight-back, but replacement Ross Byrne’s 69th-minute penalty ultimately proved vital for Leinster.

The provinces’ 159th meeting was preceded by a moment’s silence to honour those who lost their lives to Covid-19 and to pay tribute to the frontline workers. The players then formed a circle in support of #RugbyAgainstRacism.

RG Snyman’s Munster debut cruelly lasted just seven minutes, the South African behemoth jarring his left knee when stealing a lineout. Injury also ended Dave Kilcoyne’s night prematurely, but the visitors responded in brilliant fashion.

A flurry of forward pressure allowed man-of-the-match Chris Farrell and new signing Damian de Allende to go close before Conway, with 12 minutes on the clock, had a simple finish on the left. Hanrahan provided the assist and the conversion.

However, de Allende’s late tackle on Jonathan Sexton – followed by a slashing Ringrose break – saw Leinster end the first quarter level. A muscular 19th-minute maul ended with prop Healy scoring.

Hanrahan and Sexton then exchanged penalties, the lively CJ Stander winning the first at the breakdown and then coughing up the second. Stander got over the ball again to force the lead 35th-minute penalty, Hanrahan nailing a fine long-range kick.

Yet, it was a Stander maul infringement which cost Munster just before half-time. Peter O’Mahony almost thwarted Leinster at the lineout, but with possession won back, Robbie Henshaw’s delicate grubber kick was expertly grounded by his centre partner Ringrose.

Having tucked away the extras for a four-point differential, Sexton increased his influence during the third quarter. The Leinster captain was at the heart of a choke tackle and then his beautifully-delayed pass allowed Ryan Baird to launch Lowe free from 40 metres out, leaving it 24-13.

Although Jean Kleyn’s injury left them with only seven forwards, Munster lifted the tempo and an outstretched Earls finished superbly past Luke McGrath, who was covering for the injured Dave Kearney, in the left corner.

Hanrahan converted with aplomb, and suddenly, Leinster were under immense pressure with Devin Toner in the sin-bin. Showing just why they are unbeaten so far this year, Leo Cullen’s men set up Byrne to drive home his all-important penalty from past the 10-metre line.

Conway managed to cut in past Lowe to snap up a classy second try in the 71st minute, only for Hanrahan to fail with the conversion. A timely Toner interception settled the issue in the dying embers.