Hanrahan cameo for Munster
REPRESENTATIVE ACTION
JJ Hanrahan came on in the 68th minute as Munster secured a hard earned 10-10 away draw with Exeter in very windy conditions in Round 1 of the Heineken Champions Cup.
The strong winds dictated the game for the most part with Exeter enjoying a 10-3 lead at the break. The sides were level at 3-3 early on with the Munster score coming from the boot of Joey Carbery, but soon afterwards Exeter hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie crashed over the Munster line for a try. Gareth Steeson added the conversion and Munster trailed by seven at the break.
Munster had the wind to their backs in the second half but the first 20 minutes was a bit of an arm wrestle as both sides fought hard to gain territory and dominance. Exeter looked certain to score a try in the 60th minute but two excellent tackles from Duncan Williams prevented a certain try. The Munster scrum half has been a much maligned figure amongst Munster supporters over the years, but he certainly proved his worth on this occasion.
Minutes later Munster were down at the other end, and following a great drive from Tommy O’Donnell, the away side found themselves inches from the Exeter line. CJ Stander made one of his trademark carries and burst over the line for a Munster try. With Carbery adding the conversion the sides were level. It was all set for a grand stand finish, and after Carberry misjudged a routine clearance kick, Exeter found themselves with a scrum close to the Munster line. Munster were under severe pressure but held out, and when the final whistle sounded soon afterwards they were safe in the knowledge that they had secured a vital two away points after a courageous and disciplined display.
Munster welcome old rivals Gloucester to Thomond Park next Saturday at 1pm for Round 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup.
Jack Daly was ruled out through injury for Munster A as they suffered a 46-25 loss to Leinster in the Celtic Cup. The loss effectively ended Munster A’s chances of making the final as Leinster had too much quality in their ranks for the home side.