Munster Take The Spoils

Munster who lead 6-3 at half time thanks to two Paul Warwick penalties, wound up 20-10 winners over Aironi and a wet and miserable Stadio Zaffanella this afternoon.

The home side's only try – from Nick Williams – came with three minutes of time remaining and far too late to affect the outcome after Munster had dominated the second half.

Aironi lost their winger Guilio Toniolatti to the sin bin just two minutes after the start of the second half for tackling Warwick in the air and while he was off Munster scored their opening try when Donnacha Ryan picked off a wayward long throw to the tail of the line-out to cross unopposed.

Warwick converted and he again added the points after Munster were awarded a penalty try in the 56th minute. 

The victory leaves Munster eleven points clear at the top of the table.

Munster: J Murphy; D Hurley (Howlett 43 min)., L Mafi, S Tuitupou, S Zebo; P Warwick (D Cusack 63 min), D Williams (C Murray 52 min); W du Preez (M Horan 58 min), D Varley (D Fogarty 58 min), T Buckley (S Archer 63 min); I Nagle (A Quinlan 58 min), M O'Driscoll capt; D Ryan, T O'Donnell, J Coughlan (B Holland 71 min).

Aironi Rugby: D Demas; K Robertson, G Pavan, M Pratichetti, J Toniolatti; J Marshall, P Travagli; A de Marchi, T D'Apice, F Staibano; J Furno, M Bortolami capt; J Sole, G Krause, N Williams. Replacements: R Santamaria, L Redolfini, A de Marchi, G Biaggi, N Cattina, G Bronzini, R Bocchino, G Pizzaro.