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MUNSTER did just enough to get past Connacht in Thomond park this evening with a 20-18 win to make it four wins from four in the United Rugby Championship.
The game wasn’t the easiest on the eye, however, Munster won’t mind and will be delighted to grab the win.
Munster were far from their best throughout the game. Early in the first half Jack Carty, who won player of the match with his impressive display, had the visitors up by six after two penalties in the opening ten minutes.
The home side were sloppy from start to finish, struggling to gain momentum, while failing to provide any fluidity in attack.
It would take until the 39th minute for Munster to get on the board as Chris Cloete followed up on his outstanding showing from last week to get the home side going. Carbery, who had an inconsistent performance yet again, added the extra points.
The half time break came with the home side narrowly ahead by a point.
Carbery slotted a penalty early in the second half as after eight minutes of play following the break, a penalty was awarded to Munster, which the fly-half took advantage of to increase the lead to four.
Connacht, who showed fight during the full 80 minutes, replied on the 55th minute mark through Paul Boyle, as the Away side acted quickly to tap and go from a penalty to get over the line. Brilliant thinking from the visitors, however, the home side will be disappointed with their defending.
On the hour mark Carbery again put Munster back in the lead as they went back in front 13-11.
Jack Carty inspired Connacht throughout the game, and yet again added points to the board for his side as he pushed the visitors to a 18-13 lead. Carbery’s clearance kick was blocked down by the mercurial out half, who followed on to run the ball under the posts, following the moment of brilliance he then converted his own try.
It looked as though Munster’s unbeaten start to their campaign in the United Rugby Championship may have been coming to a surprise end. However, Johann van Graan’s men showed heart and wouldn’t surrender easily. With only minutes remaining, Diarmuid Barron managed to get over the white line to draw Munster level, to the delight of the Thomond Park crowd.
Carbery would have the pressure on his shoulders while converting the try in order to take a valuable win, but also keep Munster’s unbeaten start to the championship alive. The number ten did just that as he coolly put the ball through the posts to snatch victory.The final score in Limerick finished 20-18.
Munster may not be entirely happy with the performance, but will take great confidence from gaining a win in such tough circumstances, showing they can never be truly dismissed from any game.
The next round of the championship will now see Johann van Graan’s side face the challenge of Welsh outfit Ospreys away from home on October 23.
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