Scotsshow class to leave the Munster men stunned
MUNSTER lost out to Edinburgh for the first time in Cork since 2004 as the much-changed home side suffered an 18-16 reverse in the Guinness PRO14.
A final-quarter try from winger Eroni Sau proved crucial in the visitors’ victory as Munster suffered just their second defeat in their last 10 meetings with Edinburgh in all competitions.
The game saw prop Stephen Archer lead the home side out on his 200th Reds appearance as the tight-head became just the 11th Munster man to reach the landmark.
Jack O’Donoghue captained the side and was the only player retained from last week’s thrilling Champions Cup draw against Racing 92.
Munster and their visitors were tied 10-10 at the end of an opening half which featured a huge amount of box-kicking from both sides.
Meanwhile, England captain Owen Farrell kicked 20 points on his return to club duty as Saracens began to chip away at their daunting Gallagher Premiership points deduction with a 25-12 win at Bath.
The champions came to the Rec at near full strength for the first time since accepting their 35-point deduction and £5.4m fine for breaching salary cap rules.
Bath had territory but lacked the quality possession that Saracens created for the game’s only try, finished off by wing Sean Maitland on 33 minutes.
Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola were also making their first appearances for Saracens since the World Cup final on November 2, while Elliot Daly made his debut at full-back following his move from Wasps in the summer.
The home side, hampered by knee injuries to skipper Charlie Ewels, England wing Anthony Watson and No.8 Zach Mercer, handed the captaincy to World Cup winner Francois Louw. Sam Underhill, another of the tournament’s eye-catching performers, joined him in the back-row.