MUNSTER have given CJ Stander, Tommy O’Donnell, and James Cronin a winning send-off at Thomond Park with a 31-27 defeat of Cardiff Blues.
Munster vs Cardiff Blues
Munster’s CJ Stander after his last game for the Province
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Cardiff started the game the strongest of the two sides and scored through Tomos WIlliams in the fifth minute. However, three unanswered Munster tries from Niall Scannell (2) and Fineen Wycherley provided the hosts with a healthy half-time lead.
Cardiff pulled themselves back into the contest thanks to tries from Tomos WIlliams and Llloyd Williams before the hour mark but Munster eventually did enough to secure the victory.
Gavin Coombes had a major impact upon introduction and gave Munster a platform to score in the 75th minute. After a series of carries substitute prop Keynan Knox crashed over and Carbery converted without any problems.
The Welsh side made a massive effort to nick a late victory by dominating possesion in the closing stages. However, a last gasp ‘captain’s challenge’ from the departing Stander gave Munster a life-line.
The number eight pointed out to referee Andrew Brace that Cardiff scrumhalf Lloyd WIlliams had kicked the ball back into a ruck and Munster were as a result awarded a crucial free-kick to end the contest.
There were emotional scenes at full time as the Munster squad gathered for a rendition of Stand Up and Fight in tribute to the departing heroes.
Try #1: Niall Scannell (31′)
Try #2: Fineen Wycherley (34′)
Try #3: Niall Scannell (38′)
Try #4: Keynan Knox (74′)
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