Munster return to winning ways

MATCH REPORT: Ireland Under-20 star Brian Gleeson scored his first senior try during Munster’s 45-14 United Rugby Championship win over the Dragons at Musgrave Park.

The Tipperary teenager came off the bench to cross with Rory Scannell, Gavin Coombes, player-of-the-match Calvin Nash (2), Tom Ahern and Craig Casey also going over.

Graham Rowntree’s side had three tries on the board to lead 17-7 at half-time, with Academy flyhalf Tony Butler converting the first of them from Scannell.

Teenage flank Ryan Woodman scored on his first start for Dragons who also saw Aki Seiuli cross from a maul, but once Ahern took care of the bonus point, Munster eased their way to a seven-try triumph.

The 21-year-old Butler also made his first competitive start for Munster, spearheading an early break which ended with Dragons unfortunately losing Angus O’Brien to injury.

Dane Blacker was introduced at scrumhalf with Rhodri Williams, on his 100th club appearance, moving to fullback. The visitors held out until Scannell struck in the 14th minute.

Having been released through a gap by Kiwi Alex Nankivell, wing Nash had Scannell on his inside to finish off from 15 metres out. Butler quickly converted.

No.8 Coombes took two defenders with him over the line in the 17th minute, and Nash then showed his pace and evasion skills to run in a superb solo effort from halfway.

Although a knock-on spoiled a promising maul, Dragons quickly roared back through the fast-breaking Williams. Blacker deftly dangled a kick out to left for WalesU20 captain Woodman to collect and claim his first URC try, converted by Will Reed.

Jack Dixon’s turnover penalty gave the Welsh outfit a timely lift early on the restart, yet Ahern made it over in the 47th minute following powerful carries by John Ryan and Edwin Edogbo.

Nice hands from Ahern, Edogbo and Shane Daly allowed Casey to make it 31-7 in his first appearance since the World Cup.

Bradley Davies was held up short from a line-out drive, before Williams’ textbook tackle prevented Munster newcomer Sean O’Brien from scoring.

Gleeson crashed over in the 64th minute and replacement Jack Crowley’s inviting grubber kick saw Nash double his tally, albeit that he injured himself in the process.

Aggrieved that Nankivell avoided a card for catching Ashton Hewitt high in a tackle, Dragons at least had the final say through replacement Seiuli, with Reed converting off the post.

Play of the Match

Nash had a night to remember, showing what a dangerous runner he can be when given any space. He carved open the visitors' defence on his own in the 21st minute. The Limerick-born flyer broke from halfway, getting in between two defenders, sidestepping around Woodman and tearing away to score in the left corner.

Player of the Match

Centurion Williams deserves a mention for leading by example for Dragons, who were down 20 players this week due to injuries and international call-ups. Munster had seven Academy players involved, including Ben O'Connor as a debutant off the bench. Academy graduate Nash (26) shone the brightest on the night as the two-try URC player-of-the-match.

The scorers:

For Munster:

Tries: Scannell, Coombes, Nash 2, Ahern, Casey, Gleeson

Cons: Butler 4, Crowley

For Dragons:

Tries: Woodman, Seiuli

Cons: Reed 2

Teams:

Munster: 15 Shane Daly, 14 Seán O’Brien, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Rory Scannell, 11 Calvin Nash, 10 Tony Butler, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Alex Kendellen, 6 Jack O’Donoghue (captain), 5 Tom Ahern, 4 Edwin Edogbo, 3 John Ryan, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Kieran Ryan.

Replacements: 16 Scott Buckley, 17 Mark Donnelly, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Ruadhán Quinn, 20 Brian Gleeson, 21 Paddy Patterson, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Ben O’Connor.

Dragons: 15 Angus O’Brien, 14 Corey Baldwin, 13 Steff Hughes (captain), 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Ashton Hewitt, 10 Will Reed, 9 Rhodri Williams, 8 Taine Basham, 7 James Benjamin, 6 Ryan Woodman, 5 George Nott, 4 Joe Davies, 3 Luke Yendle, 2 Bradley Roberts, 1 Rhodri Jones.

Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Nathan Evans, 19 Barney Langton-Cryer, 20 George Young, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Aneurin Owen, 23 Ewan Rosser.

Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland, 36th league game)

Assistant referees: Dan Carson (Ireland) and Sam Holt (Ireland)

TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)