MUNSTER enjoyed the perfect start ot the new season with a deserved 21-34 bonus-point URC victory in front of an attendance of around 9,000 at Scarlets in Wales.
A dominant first half saw the visitors lead 0-13 at the break after a try from Craig Casey and eight points from the boot of JJ Hanrahan.
Clayton McMillan’s side pushed on in the second half as they scored three more tries through Mike Haley, Dan Kelly (on his competitive debut) and Tom Ahern to secure the bonus-point win.
Alex Nankivell was selected as player of the match.
It was a tie noteworthy for the first captaincy of the team by Craig Casey, a 200th cap for Niall Scannell and a debut by Conor Bartley.
Munster next entertain Cardiff at Thomond Park this Saturday, 7.45pm.
Munster: Mike Haley: Shane Daly, Dan Kelly (O’Brien 69’), Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; JJ Hanrahan ( Crowley 40’), Craig Casey, captain, (Patterson 71’); Jeremy Loughman (J Wycherley 49’), Niall Scannell (L Barron 37′), Oli Jager (Bartley 62′); Jean Kleyn (Ahern 49′), Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Brian Gleeson (Coombes 57’).
Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, Conor Bartley, Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, Seán O’Brien.