Munster Claim Magners League Bonus Point

A late Jean de Villiers try helped Munster to a bonus point 35-3 win over Connacht in the Magners League game at Thomond Park.

With first half tries from Ian Dowling and Damien Varley, and O’Gara adding the conversions and two penalties Munster lead the way in tonight’s Magners League interprovincial clash at the halfway mark. From a precautionary measure Felix Jones was stretchered off after 15 minutes after a clash of heads and he was replaced by Paul Warwick.

Connacht were down to 14 men in the final quarter after Troy Nathan received yellow after a late hit on Warwick, and the visitors added their first points when Ian Keatley kicked a penalty just before the break.

The second half was a dour affair that Munster without O’ Gara who was replaced at half time dominated for large periods they were even helped out by the whistle of Alain Rolland who was very whistle happy it has to be said, and with all their penalties they just failed to get over the line with un forced errors which dragged away any momentum Munster had got in the first half. The home spirit was lifted though finally in the 68th minute man of the match Paul Warwick scored his side’s third try with a delicate chip over the top and then winning the race for the touchdown, referee Rolland went up to the TMO David Keane but there was no doubt in his mind that Paul had scored and awarded the try.

The third try gave Munster the hunger to push for the bonus point try and with more errors from the home side, it did not look like it was going to happen, but just like last weekends win over Perpignan it came right at the death, some clever passing again from Warwick gave the ball to Jean de Villers who scored to give the Munster crowd a great Christmas bonus. Warwick did miss the conversion, which was the first miss from Munster all night, but it didn’t have any impact on the final score. Another hard fought win to keep the smile going on the face of the Head coach Tony Mc Gahan.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.