Dragons kids freeze to gift Erasmus his big send-off

DRAGONS coach Bernard Jackman said he feared his understrength side might be put to the sword by a fired-up Munster outfit who wanted to give departing coach Rassie Erasmus a big send-off on Friday.

And his worst fears were realised when Munster, despite having seven players in Irish camp and another international Andrew Conway suspended, ran in seven tries.

They came within a point of equalling their record 50-6 win over the Dragons in 2008-09 and Jackman said: “We were afraid that might happen.

“We had to be accurate but we weren’t. We were disappointed with how we played. If we take a few guys out of our team, we are rudderless and lack nous.

“We gave five guys their debut and we got exposed. That’s the reality. They didn’t look like we were at the level. They weren’t able to execute but I know they’re better than that.

“We’ve got to change it or change them. Someone has to be accountable, starting with me. But they’ll get another chance in the Anglo-Welsh Cup next week.”

Jackman’s side were still in the game at the interval when they trailed 14-3 after Rory Scannell and Simon Zebo scored tries for Munster, while a second Angus O’Brien penalty cut the gap to eight shortly after the restart.

But that was as good as it got for the Dragons as Munster turned on the style on a night when they said farewell to Erasmus and prepare to welcome another South African, Johann can Graan.

Munster cut loose in Cork with Jack O’Donoghue and Darren Sweetnam crossing for tries to secure the bonus point before the hour.

They didn’t relent either, with former Irish U-20 Sam Arnold getting his first try for Munster — and then adding his second in the closing minutes.

Replacement hooker Kevin O’Byrne got his first Munster try with JJ Hanrahan converting all seven.

“I will treasure these days for the rest of my life,” said an emotional Erasmus. “The performance was wonderful to sign off with.”