WITH five wins from as many starts, Munster sit top (with Stormers, who are next up on November 29 at Thomond Park) of the URC table after the opening block of fixtures.
The latest victory came through a hard-fought 17-15 defeat of Connacht at Thomond Park.
First half tries from Jack O’Donoghue and Diarmuid Kilgallen, one of which was converted by JJ Hanrahan, saw Munster trail by three points at the break after Connacht scored three tries through Byron Ralston (2) and Paul Boyle.
Clayton McMillan’s side had much more of the ball in the second half but found the visitors really difficult to break down until O’Donoghue barged his way over from close range for his second try to secure the victory.
Alex Nankivell was chosen as Player of the Match.
The outing was notable for the debut of Jake O’Riordan (Bruff/UL Bohemian).
This coming Saturday, Munster host an Argentina XV in Limerick.
The next round of games in the URC is on the last weekend of November.
Munster: Shane Daly; Diarmuid Kilgallen, Dan Kelly, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams (McCarthy 16’); JJ Hanrahan (Butler 62’), Ethan Coughlan (O’Riordan 62’); Michael Milne, Lee Barron (Scannell 56’ Barron 65’), John Ryan (Foxe 65’); Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, captain, John Hodnett (Quinn 47’), Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Jeremy Loughman, Ronan Foxe, Evan O’Connell, Ruadhan Quinn, Jake O’Riordan, Tony Butler, Shay McCarthy.