MUNSTER have defeated Edinburgh 22-10 at Murrayfield with a dominant forward performance to further extend their lead at the summit of the PRO14’s Conference B.
Edinburgh took the initiative early on to kick themselves into a three point lead but it was short lived. Munster defended brilliantly throughout the contest and the breakdown endeavours of Chris Cloete were rewarded as Munster kicked clear to find good territory more than once in the opening quarter
Hanrahan equalized with a penalty kick on fifteen minutes before Munster stepped it up a gear. The Munster backrow were outstanding all night and on 29 minutes Jack O’Donoghue bundled his way over for the opening try.
Munster’s set-piece was exceptional and never allowed Edinburgh easy access into their territory. James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan scrummaged brilliantly to provide a great platform whenever called upon but the lineout functioned efficiently too.
Less than ten minutes after O’Donoghue’s try, Munster again secured possession in the Edinburgh 22. The Scots defended well as Munster pounded the opposition try line, but in the end the men in red made a breakthrough. Scrumhalf Craig Casey jinked and sniped his way over after a series of carries from the forwards to extend Munster’s lead in the 36th minute.
Edinburgh’s Bill Mata did pull one try back after the break but after a sticky ten minutes, Munster rediscovered their form in good time. On the 56th minute Munster again executed physically and professionally to navigate their way close to the Edinburgh line.
Casey was instrumental once more with a half-break but it was another young man Gavin Coombes who applied the finishing touch. The West Cork number eight has been prolific from close-range this season and bundled his way over for his 7th try of the campaign. Hanrahan failed to convert on that occasion to leave the score at Edinburgh 10-22 Munster.
FT: Edinburgh 10-22 Munster
Man of the Match: Billy Holland
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