Two-Try Munster Triumph In Treviso

Munster overcame Italian side Benetton Treviso 21-10 at the Stadio di Monigo tonight to secure their first GUINNESS PRO12 win of the season.

CJ Stander and Simon Zebo scored Munster’s tries while Ian Keatley kicked 11 points to give the province a welcome result and the league points required from the round 2 encounter.

Stander was part of a robust back row that gelled well together, with number 8 Robin Copeland making his competitive debut alongside Ireland international Tommy O’Donnell. Locks David Foley and Billy Holland provided a steady flow of lineout ball.

Keatley’s right boot was called into action in the opening minute and it was a positive start for the out-half who, in all, was successful with four of his five kicks at goal.

But it was the hosts who were first to cross the try-line with a well-taken score after 17 minutes. The lineout option went long and with the ball passed back inside to winger Ludovico Nitoglia, he punched a hole in the Munster defence to set up full-back Simone Rugusi who finished the move. English number 10 Joe Carlisle added the extras and the hosts were 7-3 ahead.

A Keatley penalty six minutes later reduced the margin before in-form back rower Stander put Munster ahead as he crashed over for the visitors’ first try.

It was scrum half Duncan Williams who found Keatley on his shoulder to release him into space and bring play deep inside the 22.

Munster began to build the phases and with the pack powering over the line it was Stander who claimed the close range try – his third in this season’s PRO12. The conversion was added by Keatley and Munster led 13-7 at the break.

In the opening 10 minutes of the second period, Carlisle missed two penalty opportunities to reduce the gap and Treviso’s woes continued when they made hard work of a clearance from their line after 48 minutes.

Munster were quick to react and winger Zebo scored from the resulting counter attack. He found space out wide on the left, beating off two tacklers and darting in for his first score of the campaign. Keatley missed his only kick of the night with the touchline conversion.

The Italian job was completed with a final Keatley penalty on the 70-minute mark – awarded for a scrum which was solidified by BJ Botha’s presence – and Anthony Foley’s men held on to record their first victory in three years at the Stadio di Monigo.