Munster secured a winning bonus point tonight at Thomond Park against Ulster. The final scoreline of 35-10 tells little of the game itself. We one considers that Munster’s final three tries of their four came from second half substitutes, then it is easy to see how sticky this game was.
Ulster started the brighter with a try from TJ Anderson on the quarter hour. The move which led to the backrower’s effort was worth the entry fee and was the only real highlight of a dour first half. The sides going in after 40, 10-6 to Ulster.
The second half kicked into life from the 50th minute onwards. Denis Hurley crossed first for Munster, before the substitutes took over to secure the win and keep Munster atop the Magners League table.
Tommy O Donnell crossed the white wash in the 74th minute, while his UL Bohemians team mate Barry Murphy, another substitute, added the third try in the 78th.
The icing was put on the cake with the final action of the game as Munster ran from their own try line to set up Mafi for the fourth bonus point. The try was a sight to behold as forwards linked with backs to set up a hugely satisfactory win for Munster to kick off 2011. The only downside of the night was an injury once more for Jerry Flannery. The returning Irish hooker was escorted off of the field at the final whistle, once more icing his troublesome calf. We all await further news.
Munster’s next game will be against the Glasgow Warriors next Saturday night in Musgrave Park.
The final score from Thomond Park tonight. Munster 35 Ulster 10.
Scorers
Munster: Tries Denis Hurley, O Donnell, B Murphy, Mafi
Pens: Warwick 3
Conversions: Warwick 3
Ulster: Try TJ Anderson
Pens: P Wallace 1
Conv: P Wallace 1
