Munster hold off Gloucester for nervy win

MUNSTER enjoyed a 36-22 bonus point victory over Gloucester at Thomond Park last Saturday. In what was a very strange error ridden game, Munster just about held out as Gloucester put in a ferocious last 10 minutes to put Munster under some serious pressure.

Munster had a one-man advantage for the majority of the clash with Gloucester’s Danny Cipriani sent off for a high tackle on Rory Scannell just short of the half hour.

Mike Haley scored his first try for Munster with Rhys Marshall, Man of the Match Joey Carbery, Sammy Arnold and Andrew Conway also touching down, with Carbery kicking four conversions and a penalty. Carberry was excellent for Munster, and his range of passing and elusive style of play certainly endeared him to the red faithful

JJ Hanrahan was unlucky in that he came on the field with 12 minutes left to go and was on the back foot for the remainder of the game as Gloucester enjoyed their best period of the game. Hanrahan came on in the out half position as Carberry switched to full back. Hanrahan was unable to display his undoubted skill with ball in hand, but it is a promising sign for the Currow native as Munster coach van Graan continues to place his faith in him of the bench.

Munster are now in a very favourable position as they sit at the top of Pool 2 with 7 points after last week’s drawn game with the Exeter Chiefs. Munster welcome Castres to Thomond Park for the next round of the competition on Sunday, December 9.

Next Saturday Munster welcome Glasgow Warriors to Thomond Park for Round 7 of the Guinness Pro 14 league.

Meanwhile, Ultan Dillane was part of the Connacht side that were beaten by Sale Sharks in the European Challenge Cup. A hat trick of tries from Chris Ashton was instrumental in Sale’s victory.