Munster have been dumped out of the Amlin Challenge Cup after a 20-12 points loss to Harlequins. This result means that all Munster have to play for this season is a Magners League title as their dreams of European success were dashed in a sun drenched Thomond Park.
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Playing against a gale wind, Quins started the better of the two sides and remained in control for the majority of the match. A 9th minute try from George Robson opened the scoring. NIck Evans converted to make it 7-0. It could have been even better for Quins, as Evans missed two kickable penalties.
It was 14-0 soon after though, as again Quins targeted Munster’s porous midfield. Danny Care scored from a metre out and kicked the conversion as Harlequins made a mockery of their underdog status in the game.
With the first half coming to a close Felix Jones crossed the white wash to make it 14-7 to Quins at the break.
The second half was opened with O’Connell, Hayes and Tuitupou coming on to shake things up. The changes did change Munster’s intensity, however the second half was just filled with silly knock on’s, lost line outs and scrappy play from Munster.
Quins kicked two penalties in the second half, while Doug Howlett crossed for a late Munster consolation try. All in all Munster were second best today and Harlequins fully deserved their victory. Munster now face Connacht next Friday night in their final Magners League game of the season.
For more post match reaction see next week’s Limerick Post for more details.
