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Munster stopped in tracks by power Chiefs
WITH nine internationals in the starting line up, Exeter Chiefs produced enough to continue a pre-season winning streak in this hotly disputed clash with Munster at Musgrave Park last night.
In the first of three games between the sides this season, Exeter earned bragging rights in advance of the Champions Cup.
It was a useful exercise for both teams, with Exeter in less experimental mode than Munster as the sides prepare for bigger games to come.
Munster didn’t help themselves in the opening quarter by which time the visitors established a winning 12-0 lead, with tries from the impressive Olly Woodburn and prop Harry Williams, with a conversion from Gareth Steenson, guiding them to that advantage.
If there was a plus on the Munster side it came via a well orchestrated defence. Yes, they conceded those well worked Exeter tries, but they also stood strong to keep the deficit down to manageable proportions.
Exeter survived the best that Munster could throw at them, the home side forcing several penalties and looking far more composed than they had in the first half in several attacking scrums. Substitute Arno Botha provided the visitors with plenty to worry about.
Still, that Exeter defence held firm, but only just when Darren Sweetnam’s brilliant run was stopped just inches from the line at the three-quarter stage.
Substitute winger Liam Coombes was another to come close when he was scythed down a couple of yards out after 64 minutes.
SCORERS: Exeter Chiefs — Tries: O Woodburn, H Williams. Con: G Steenson.