Munster moved to the top of Guinness PRO14 Conference A thanks to a bonus-point win away to Connacht on Saturday night.

Peter O’Mahony, Dan Goggin (two) and Joey Carbery touched down with Man of the Match Carbery also kicking four conversions and a penalty in the win.

Billy Holland made his 200th Munster appearance in the clash, becoming only the 10th Munster player to reach the landmark.

Both sides looked to attack from the off with Connacht taking the lead after 10 minutes thanks to an opportunistic score. Tom Farrell managed to dispossess Arno Botha on the right wing and run in to score under the posts from halfway with Jack Carty’s conversion giving the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Munster struck back on 17 minutes after some very patient build-up play with Keith Earls unlocking the defence with a superb offload for O’Mahony to score from close range. Carbery’s first conversion levelled matters at 7-all.

Tom Farrell was on the charge again for Connacht shortly afterwards but a brilliant O’Mahony tackle on Caolin Blade and poach to win the penalty for Munster saw the visitors get back on the front foot.

Carbery kicked the penalty up the left flank and after two rolling mauls were dragged down by Connacht, Munster went for the corner.

After going through the phases deep in the Connacht half, John Ryan was held up over the line. Munster scored off the resulting scrum however as Alby Mathewson broke infield and Goggin powered over after picking a great line. Carbery’s conversion saw Munster move 14-7 in front with 26 minutes played.

It was nip and tuck for the remainder of the first half but Connacht had the last say as Carty’s long-range penalty saw Munster’s lead reduced to four points at the interval, 14-10.

Connacht retook the lead one minute into the second half as Tom Farrell sidestepped through a gap in midfield before sending Cian Kelleher clear down the right flank for their second try. Carty again converted and Munster trailed 17-14.

Munster went back in front through Goggin’s second try on 49 minutes. Earls did superbly to come in off his flank and make the initial break before offloading to Chris Farrell with Wootton then taking it to within 10 metres of the Connacht line.

The ball was recycled for Beirne to take it on further with Alby Mathewson then floating a sweet pass for Goggin to score in the left corner.

Carbery’s sweetly struck conversion gave Munster a 21-17 lead.

Munster kept their foot on the pedal and went further in front on 57 minutes as Carbery’s first penalty made it 24-17 after Connacht infringed at the breakdown.

The bonus-point try arrived on 64 minutes as Munster’s rolling maul, which was superb throughout, was dragged down metres short of the line and the ball was spread wide for Carbery to glide over for Munster’s fourth try.

The conversion made it 31-17 and a nervy ending was in store when Coly Fainga’a broke through and fed Carty for Connacht’s third try with the out-half’s conversion making it a seven-point game with eight minutes remaining.

Munster managed to see out the remainder for a vital win that sees the province move to the top of Conference A with two vital Champions Cup games against Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs coming up over the next two weekends.

Guinness PRO14 Round 13 Round-Up

Munster moved to the top of Guinness PRO14 Conference A after 13 rounds of fixtures.

Billy Holland made his 200th Munster appearance in the clash.

Joey Carbery was awarded Man of the Match.

John Ryan was removed for a HIA in the first half.

Head Coach Johann van Graan noted at full-time that a number of players had picked up knocks and will be assessed by the medical team.

Munster: Andrew Conway; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Dan Goggin (Sammy Arnold, 73), Alex Wootton (Tyler Bleyendaal, 59); Joey Carbery, Alby Mathewson (Conor Murray, 50); Jeremy Loughman (Dave Kilcoyne, 61), Niall Scannell (Kevin O’Byrne, 66), John Ryan (Stephen Archer, 40); Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (C) (Billy Holland, 64), Tommy O’Donnell, Arno Botha (CJ Stander, 52).

6 Nations Rugby In Cork

Six Nations rugby comes to Cork for the first time in the coming months as the Ireland U20s host England and France at Irish Independent Park.

Friday, February 1, 2019

Ireland U20s v England U20s, Irish Independent Park, 7.15pm; Buy tickets here

Friday, March 8, 2019

Ireland U20s v France U20s, Irish Independent Park, 7.15pm; Buy tickets here