IN A second half performance that would have pleased head coach Tony McGahan, Munster maintained their attack on the top four Magners League spots by overcoming the challenge posed by Glasgow last Friday at Thomond Park.
Tries from Denis Hurley and Jean de Villiers edged the Munster machine past the Warriors on a scoreline of 27-19.
Ronan O’Gara, returning from the Irish camp and their RBS Six Nations Championship, knocked over six kicks from eight attempts with the conversion attempt from Hurley’s try hitting the post after 15 minutes.
However, the opening half would have left Munster senior staff scratching their heads as a solitary one point lead was taken to the dressing room at half time. Hurley’s try and two penalties from O’Gara brought Munster in with an 11-10 scoreline over Glasgow despite Warriors captain, John Barclay sneaking an intercept try while Graeme Morrison took a 10 minute sin bin break after tripping Ian Dowling.
de Villiers scored a John O’Neill style try in the corner on 74 minutes after a great break down the right wing and O’Gara slotted the conversion over to see Munster out with an eight point win to bring them to second in the league, four points behind Leinster.
Noting the importance of the win, Tony McGahan said that the win was key as the next few weeks were vital for Munster. A match against Northampton in the Heineken Cup quarter final in two weeks will be preceded by a top of the table clash with the Leinster next Friday, Good Friday, April 2.
McGahan said that he would be left with some selection headaches after decent performances from his side, but Mick O’Driscoll noted that “this is only a good thing for the Munster squad as a whole.”
Next Friday’s game, considered the biggest match in the domestic rugby calendar, will see Thomond Park packed to the rafters as Munster bid for silverware.