Second half tries from skipper Peter O’Mahony and centre Tom Gleeson saw Munster come from 12 points down at the interval to run out 21-12 winners against Neath in the British & Irish Cup at The Gnoll.
Munster, who were forced to re-jig their starting XV this morning when sickness forced Dave Foley to withdraw – replaced by Ed Kelly with Billy Holland coming onto the bench – trailed 12-0 at half-time to four Arwell Thomas penalties.
However, whatever Anthony Foley and Ian Costello had to say during the half-time ‘chat’ found receptive ears and that plus the introduction of Billy Holland had the desired effect.
The young side produced a sparkling second half performance for a victory that leaves them in pole position to qualify for the semi-finals.
Declan Cusack kicked two penalties and then added the conversion to captain Peter O’Mahony’s try for Munster to edge ahead.
Tom Gleeson scored Munster’s second try and although Cusack missed that conversion he made amends with his third penalty just before the end.
Munster play their final Pool game against Heriots in Musgrave Park on Friday March 12th where a draw or a win will see them qualify for the knock out-stages.
Munster: D Riordan, D Barnes, T Gleeson (J Manning 59th min), S Deasy, C O’Boyle; D Cusack, D Williams (C Murray 76th min); D Kilcoyne, S Henry (G Slattery 78th min), S Archer; D Foley, I Nagle (N Melbourne temp); S Hassett (B Holland 41st min), P O’Mahony capt (N Melbourne 72nd min), N Williams.
Neath: K Morgan; K James, S Thomas, N Brew, A Jenkins; A Thomas (G McCarthy 69th min), K Farrell (T James 78th min); N Downs (E Lewis 78th min), A James (G Price 65th min), M Jones; E Evans, N Edwards; M Collins (C Price 62nd min), L Evans, G Gravell.
