Erasmus’ Munster battle to away win against Connacht in the Galway rain

Connacht 9

Munster 16

Murray Kinsella reports from the Sportsground

MUNSTER EXTENDED THEIR lead at the top of the Guinness Pro12 to five points with a dogged win over Connacht in heavy rain at the Sportsground.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Rassie Erasmus’ men have lost just once in their last 10 games, with this away victory made all the more satisfying due to the fact that it came without Ireland internationals Conor Murray, CJ Stander, Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo.

The weather conditions meant this contest was never likely to be the most aesthetically pleasing, but the visitors displayed their ever-growing grit to secure a second inter-provincial success in five days, following on from the St. Stephen’s Day win over Leinster.

The likes of captain Billy Holland and try-scoring hooker Rhys Marshall thrived as Munster’s work rate was through the roof once again, while out-half Ian Keatley kicked well in general play, as well as slotting 11 important points off the tee and through a drop goal.

Connacht dominated the scrum battle but could not convert their handful of try-scoring chances and made uncharacteristic handling errors. Their losing bonus point means they remain in eighth position in the Pro12 table.

Munster led 6-3 at half time thanks to two Keatley penalties, with Connacht’s Jack Carty missing one of his two attempts in the opening 40 minutes.

The rain made it tough for both sides to play expansively, although Munster made a blistering start featuring several thrilling offloads in the lead-up to Keatley’s first points off the tee in the third minute.

There was rain in Galway for this inter-provincial clash. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

There was a scare for Munster soon after, as Duncan Williams’ exit kick was blocked down and Keatley allowed the ball to roll back over the Munster tryline and towards the touchline. Kieran Marmion hared after it and stretched around the dallying Keatley in an attempt to dot down, but the TMO correctly ruled the claim out.

Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham got on top of the Munster scrum, or rather in underneath it, for the majority of the opening 40, although Connacht were unable to convert their strongest spell of territory and possession into further points.

Quinn Roux knocked on one five-metre lineout, while breaks from Rory Parata and Matt Healy inside the Munster 22 were not capitalised on as Connacht’s handling let them down in the rain.

Keatley was short with an ambitious long-rage penalty attempt early in the second half, while Connacht’s scrum continued to impress and provided the penalty that allowed Carty to level the game in the 50th minute.

Munster had thought they were away for a try directly before that scrum and penalty, with hooker Marshall’s hit on Carty dislodging the ball, which fullback Andrew Conway gathered in before bursting towards the tryline.

Tiernan O’Halloran was in close pursuit but Conway looked destined to score, only for Dudley Phillips’ whistle to halt him. A marginal knock-on in the tackle by Marshall was the referee’s decision and Connacht earned three points from the subsequent scrum.

Seven minutes later, Connacht found themselves with a five-metre lineout but a rushed pass from Buckley to Tom McCartney after their maul was repelled saw the hooker knock-on.

Munster reacted superbly, with Keatley cross-field kicking to Conway deep in the 22, allowing the fullback to stride to halfway. Williams followed up with a box kick, allowing Munster to chase and counter ruck for another turnover.