SI PREYS ON EASY MEAT
Zebo try the highlight for Reds
SIMON ZEBO illuminated a rotten game with Munster’s clinching try in the second-half to help his side into the Pro12 final against Scarlets.
Before the magical score that was worked from their own 22 through six pairs of hands, Munster were dominant in defence and superior in attack, but Zebo ended any doubts.
In a remarkable flashback to the last time the sides met in a Pro12 semi-final, Ospreys had a late try disallowed by the TMO for a knock-on, but Andrew Conway’s late third was an extra bonus for the home side.
Dan Biggar put the first points on the board when Conway was caught offside following Billy Holland’s knock-on, but it was a quality kick from near the left touchline to give Ospreys a 3-0 lead after eight minutes.
A beautifully weighted grubber kick into touch from Rory Scannell saw Munster camp out in the Ospreys half, and they then followed it up by driving their visitors back over their 22 with a powerful maul.
And that territory finally paid off for Munster when Niall Scannell, Francis Saili and Rory Scannell came close down the left. They were stopped just short of the line, but lying on his back Scannell did really well to keep the ball alive and Saili drove over for Munster’s first try after 26 minutes.
Tyler Bleyendaal was unlucky to see his conversion hit the post, and five minutes later at the other end Biggar pushed his second kick across the posts.
But a couple of scrum penalties brought Munster back into Ospreys territory, and when Ospreys were caught off their feet, Bleyendaal made it 8-3 from the left, as half-time sounded.
The 30-man arm-wrestle continued after the restart, but 15 minutes into the half only an overcooked pass from Ashley Beck stopped Tom Habberfield scoring in the corner. A minute later Ospreys had Munster pinned in their own corner again, but they were denied for obstruction as they tried to set their maul.
That proved a crucial penalty as Munster worked their way out of trouble, and a couple of minutes later Keith Earls launched the move for Zebo’s try. Saili, Conor Murray and Conway were all involved as they swapped quick passes up the left, before Zebo juggled the final pass but dived over for a memorable score.
Conway added a third five minutes from time and was immediately replaced after he aggravated his shoulder in scoring, but even with prop Brin Scott as the only replacement left Munster eased home.