Munster reach semi but Ulster still in hunt

MAN-of-the-match Keith Earls, below, was among the try scorers as Munster edged out Ulster 22-20 in a closely-fought PRO12 derby at Thomond Park.

The win confirmed a home Championship semi-final for Munster and builds further momentum ahead of next Saturday’s Champions Cup lastfour date with Saracens in Dublin.

However, injuries picked up by backs Darren Sweetnam and Rory Scannell will concern Rassie Erasmus, while on-loan scrum half Angus Lloyd and Ian Keatley were late replacements for Duncan Williams (tight groin) and a benched Tyler Bleyendaal. Rory Best and Lloyd exchanged early tries and Ian Keatley matched Paddy Jackson’s five points off the tee as the sides went in at the break tied at 10-10.

Jackson kicked a penalty and converted Luke Marshall’s 64th-minute try for a 20-15 lead after Earls’ score before Dave O’Callaghan rumbled over 10 minutes from time and Bleyendaal converted.

A last-ditch drop-goal attempt from Jackson that would have given Ulster victory was never on target and Munster’s canny knack of winning tight games came to the fore again with O’Callaghan claiming the match-winning score. Although their winless streak against Munster now stands at six matches, Ulster’s losing bonus point – combined with the Ospreys’ surprise defeat to Cardiff Blues – keeps them in the play-off hunt.