MUNSTER have defeated Benetton 31-17 yesterday evening at Thomond Park
Munster vs Benetton Rugby
Munster’s Alex McHenry scores a try
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
Munster started slowly and the game remained scoreless after ten minutes. Understandably, it took both sides some time to find their flow after many changes to the starting fifteens.
Munster fielded a mix of experienced professionals and academy prospects and the lack of chemistry between the team showed as Benetton began to make easy inroads in the second quarter.
The visitors were the team on top for an extended period and eventually scored the opening try of the game after a beautiful series of offloads.
Céad úd an chluiche bainte amach ag Dewalt Devunage
It’s @BenettonRugby who get the first score on the board tonight with a great try
#MUNvBEN @Rugbai_BEO @PRO14Official pic.twitter.com/GLiOb4gRAM
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 19, 2021
JJ Hanarahan pulled three points back for Munster in the 27th minute and momentum swung towards the men in red from there.
On the stroke of half-time Munster struck again. Johann Van Graan’s men threatened the Benetton try line for a few phases before spreading the ball from left to right. In the end Rory Scannell offloaded to centre partner Alex McHenry who darted through under the sticks for his team’s first try.
Munster picked up from where they left off in the second half.
First, starting tighthead Keynan Knox rumbled over for his first Munster try and then twelve minutes later his replacement Roman Salanoa did likewise. Hanrahan converted on both occasions to make it Munster 24-7 Benetton.
Benetton grabbed one back after 70 minutes but Munster secured the bonus point in the closing minutes through Ben Healy.
The impressive Liam Coombes burst down the left wing and offloaded inside to the substitute who dotted down.
Healy converted his own try to make it 31-10 to the hosts and although Benetton grabbed a last minute consolation try, the result was never truly in doubt.
Munster can now look ahead to the Guinness PRO14 Final next Sunday at the RDS against provincial rivals Leinster.
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