Understrength side destroyed by Munster

Edinburgh boss had predicted a calamity in Cork for shadow squad

Boss Richard Cockerill had predicted a calamity in Cork before he sent his shadow squad into battle.

He admitted the enforced absence of 18 front line stars would make the clash with the Euro giants almost a mission impossible.

And realist Richard got the script right as mighty Munster romped to an emphatic Pro14 success.

They had the match sewn up and a bonus point in their pocket by the interval – thanks to a super-quick try treble from veteran paceman Keith Earls.

It took the hosts only four minutes to surge ahead as centre Chris Farrell burst through three challenges on his way to the line.

Munster created their second score on the quarter of an hour mark when Andrew Conway came off his wing to cruise through a midfield gap and finish from 30 metres.

JJ Hanrahan added the easy conversion.

Conway completed his quickfire double, with Hanrahan again finding the target from a much wider angle.

The crowd were soon hushed, however, as they watched Duhan van der Merwe power over to break the Edinburgh duck.

His South African compatriot, Jaco van der Walt, turned it into a seven pointer.

But Munster were soon back in full flow and they secured the bonus point in the 30th minute through Earls.

It was then the Lions speed merchant’s turn to notch a double in the build up to the interval.

And there was still time for Earls to make it a remarkable hat-trick in the space of eight minutes – the gap widening to 27.

With the job done, the home brigade eased off after the restart.

And they had to wait until midway through the half for sub Tyler Bleyendaal to pounce for No7.

Gutsy Edinburgh refused to buckle completely with van der Merwe grabbing their second touchdown – goaled by Jason Baggott.

But Munster cranked up the pace and power again to set up another score for Farrell.

Coach Cockerill hailed the bravery of his fringe men, commenting afterwards: “My young team never gave up and I was proud of them.

“This was always going to be a daunting match against a line-up full of seasoned internationalists.

“However our lads stuck to their tasks superbly and they will benefit from the experience.”