Munster have advanced to the semi-finals of the URC after overcoming a strong Ospreys side 23-7 at Thomond Park on Friday evening.

Munster’s semi-final will take place on Saturday 15th June at 6pm in Thomond Park.

Munster produced a blistering start with slick passing causing the Ospreys problems as the home side brought play into the Ospreys 22.

The ball was spread wide to Simon Zebo where the fullback attacked a gap between two Ospreys defenders and showed enough strength to get through the tackle attempt and cross for the game’s opening try. Crowley landed the tough conversion from the right hand side to give Munster an early 7-0 lead.

Ospreys hit back straight away when on a penalty advantage, the Welsh side dinked a ball over the Munster defence which was collected before a pass went to Keelan Giles who used his acceleration to get away from the Munster defence and score next to the posts. Owen Williams converted to level the game.

Munster retook the lead when a series of lineout mauls led to Niall Scannell peeling off the back and powering over for Munster’s second try. Crowley’s conversion sailed through the posts to give Munster a 14-7 lead.

Munster kept applying pressure and an incredible piece of individual skill from Shane Daly where he volleyed Crowley’s crossfield kick almost resulted in a try for the winger.

Munster won another penalty close to Ospreys’ line which allowed a chance for a shot at goal which saw Crowley extend Munster’s lead to 17-7.

Munster defended resolutely in the final 10 minutes of the first half to keep Ospreys at bay and ensure a 10-point lead at the break.

At the start of the second half Munster turned down the opportunity for three points with the aim of getting a try but a knock on put an end to that move.

Approaching the midway point of the second-half, Munster were dominating possession and territory but a combination of unforced errors and good Ospreys defence were hindering any ability to get further points on the board.

Munster’s pressure was yielding penalties and Munster opted for the posts on two occasions which saw Crowley stretch Munster’s lead to 23-7.

Munster saw out the remainder of the game to secure a semi-final for next Saturday at 6pm in Thomond Park.

URC Quarter-Final Roundup

Jack Crowley was awarded the BKT Player of the Match.

Diarmuid Barron made his return from injury with a 33 minute performance when coming on in the second half.

Munster: Simon Zebo (Haley 53′); Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch (Butler 69′), Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey (Murray 59′); Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell (Barron 47′), Stephen Archer (Jager 47′); RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony (O’Donoghue 47′), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan, Oli Jager, Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Conor Murray, Tony Butler, Mike Haley.