Hanrahan the hero for Munster

MUNSTER coach Johann van Graan was relieved after replacement out-half JJ Hanrahan landed an injury time drop-goal to snatch victory at Stadio Monigo.

Munster seemed poised for a third loss in four PRO14 games when Benetton hit the front for the first time in the closing stages.

But Hanrahan, who received heavy criticism after missing two kicks in the loss to Leinster last week, rescued the game with a kick from 35 metres in the final play.

“We knew it would be tough here so we are pleased to come away with the win,” said Van Graan.

Benetton, having lost all nine PRO14 games prior to this one, seemed poised for another long night when they fell 12-0 behind after just ten minutes as Munster punished sloppy play.

A chip from full-back Mike Haley down the left was not controlled by his opposite number Jayden Hayward and Darren Sweetnam pounced to score for the third league game in a row.

Hooker Niall Scannell got over for their second try after a cheap turnover from a loose pass by centre Joaquin Riera.

But Benetton, despite the binning of Italian tighthead Marco Riccioni, hit back after winger Angelo Esposito got over and two penalties from Tommaso Allan cut the gap to 12-11 at the break.

Both sides put boot to ball throughout the third quarter. Ben Healy extended Munster’s lead with a penalty and Haley did superbly to deny Tommaso Benvenuti when he managed to get under him as the winger tried to ground the ball.

Benetton hit the front shortly after when Leonardo Sarto scored in the right corner only for Hanrahan to snatch it at the death.