MUNSTER have qualified for the 2021 PRO14 final after defeating Connacht 20-17 at Thomond Park.
Connacht started the brighter of the two teams and scored the opening try of the game through winger Matt Healy, Healy dotted down after just five minutes and Carty converted to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Munster responded well but progress was significantly slowed by a less than efficient lineout. It was a far from perfect first half performance from Munster but a James Cronin try from close range helped them equalize after 22 minutes.
Jack Carty struck a Connacht penalty between the sticks before the break to give Andy Friend’s men a 10-7 half time lead but the introduction of Kevin O’Byrne, Jean Kleyn, Joey Carbery and Damian De Allende helped the men in red secure the victory.
Munster enjoyed a good amount of possession in the second half and in the end a moment of magic from fullback Mike Haley was the difference maker. Haley collected this own chip and chase to dot down and Joey Carbery duly converted to hand Munster a seven point lead.
Connacht replied after the hour mark with a try from Paul Boyle but a further penalty kick from Carbery would ultimately secure an important 20-17 victory for Johann Van Graan’s men.
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