Munster Make It Back-To-Back Wins In Wales

Munster moved up to third place in the GUINNESS PRO12 table tonight after recording a 38-12 bonus point victory over the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade

In the first half the Dragons racked up the points after sustained pressure and lengthy periods in Munster territory.

Indiscipline gave the home side four kickable penalty chances – the first kick by Geraint Rhys Jones, who deputised for the injured Lee Byrne at full-back, rebounded off the woodwork but three successful kicks followed for a 9-7 half-time lead.

Ian Keatley, the eventual man-of-the-match, kicked intelligently for Munster in the opening quarter as he made the Dragons retreated with some pinpoint tactical kicks. Roared on by their supporters, the Welsh region pressed through their forwards for a try but Munster’s well-organised defence kept them out.

Munster’s first half try came from a well worked set piece, a controlled lineout and maul option ending with Robin Copeland, an Ireland debutant last Sunday, touching down from close range.

Into the second period, improved ball retention and game control allowed Munster to create the scoring opportunities with Duncan Casey, Andrew Smith, Paddy Butler and Ronan O’Mahony all crossing the whitewash.

Hooker Casey was a late addition to the starting line-up after Eusebio Guinazu was withdrawn due to a tight hamstring. The fit-again Niall Scannell was included among the replacements.

Number 10 Keatley opened the second half with a well taken penalty from 41 metres out, regaining the lead for Anthony Foley’s men.

The province then used their superior scrum and improved lineout to secure possession and when scrum half Cathal Sheridan blocked down an attempted clearance kick from Richie Rees, Casey scored off the next five-metre lineout maul.

Keatley converted for a 17-9 lead and Munster began to take full control of this round 8 clash, albeit with the Dragons remaining a threat from deep.

Australian centre Smith ran in unopposed for the third try, the build-up to which saw Keatley releasing full-back JJ Hanrahan who stepped outside his man to pop the ball back inside to Smith and open up the space.

Jones added a fourth penalty for the men of Gwent in the 65th minute, but shortly afterwards Butler scored the all-important bonus point try from another lineout drive. It was the Tipperary back rower’s second try in as many PRO12 games.

Munster continued to apply the pressure for the final minutes and winger O’Mahony did well when he claimed Hanrahan’s grubber kick to dive over in the corner. Keatley’s impressive touchline conversion made it six from six for the out-half off the kicking tee.