Highlights, Pics & Reaction | Winning Start In Cork

Just shy of a capacity crowd saw Munster make the perfect start to the new Guinness PRO14 at Irish Independent Park, Cork last Friday night.  Look back at match highlights, see our match gallery and get the post-match reaction from Rassie Erasmus and academy lock Sean O’Connor.

Click here to view our Munster v Benetton Rugby match gallery.

Munster were the only side in Conference A to record a bonus point win meaning they head into round 2 against the Cheetahs at Thomond Park next weekend as the Conference leaders.

Reflecting on a job well done, Rassie Erasmus commented, “I think we got out of the game what we wanted, firstly a win, because we were a bit nervous about Benetton Rugby. They made some good signings in the off season and they had a good run out against Leicester and we thought it would be a tough game.

On the new, young and returning talent that was blooded for the season ahead, the Director of Rugby added, “We were playing with the wind in the second half and whether we were far enough ahead or even if it was close we were always going to get guys like Dan (Goggin) and James Hart and Fineen Wycherley on the field, and Sean O’Connor we wanted to see at five lock.

“We wanted to get (Robin) Copeland back into the mix, Mike Sherry into the game and also guys like Brian Scott and Ciaran (Parker), so we made all those changes, Ian Keatley at 10 and Tyler Bleyendaal to 12.

“So when you do that, sometimes you get the game time that you wanted but you also lose some rhythm and I think that’s what happened in the second half. Then again, I thought it was a great defensive exercise in the second half.”

On his first competitive start, and in just his second year of the Greencore Munster Academy, Sean O’Connor was one of those who excelled on the night.  The Cashel man spoke exclusively to MunsterRugby.ie after the game.

Next Home Game

This Saturday, September 9^th, Munster return to Thomond Park to face Cheetahs.  Be there to witness history as the province take on South African opposition for the first time in competition.

Adult tickets from €20 and Family tickets from €40 can be purchased online here.