THE 30-21 win over Benetton at Virgin Media Park secured Munster a play-off place in the URC, and more lucratively Champions Cup Rugby next season.
In the URC, Ian Costello’s team will be away in a fortnights’ time.
On Leeside, Munster trailed 14-10 at the interval but an eye-catching final 35 minutes saw them come up trumps.
In particular, the third quarter was rewarding for the home side courtesy of tries from Lee Barron and Thaakir Abrahams. Another try arrived later from replacement Josh Wycherley.
Extras were added by Craig Casey.
“We put ourselves in a position where we had to win two games so there’s a relief around getting the job done, but there’s also a relief around us putting a performance out there like that, that probably reflects where the group is at, and reflects on what it means to the group,” Costello told RTÉ Sport.
“It’s been a tough few months, and to see the lads get the reward over the last couple of weeks is really pleasing. A lot of emotions. Relief, mixed with being really proud of the team, of the staff, of the club and what the supporters brought tonight, that was incredible.”
Jack Crowley (who accounted for all of Munster’s ten points in the opening-half) retired with a rib-injury but early indications is that he will be okay for the quarter-final outing.
In his 100th appearance, Casey was rightfully named Man of the Match.
Munster: Thaakir Abrahams; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Diarmuid Kilgallen; Jack Crowley (Murray 75’), Craig Casey; Michael Milne (Wycherley 55’), Niall Scannell (Lee Barron 33’ HIA), Stephen Archer (Ryan 60’); Jean Kleyn (Wycherley 75’), Tadhg Beirne, captain; Peter O’Mahony (54’), John Hodnett (Kendellen 55’), Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Seán O’Brien, Alex Kendellen.
