Munter recorded a 24-19 win against Connacht at the Sportsground with both sides scoring three tries in the province’s second pre-season match of the 2023/24 campaign.
Carbery got the game underway with a solid start from the men in red as play took place inside the Connacht half in the opening minutes.
Despite Munster having the early possession and territory at the Sportsground, the province couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard.
It was the hosts who got over for the first try when winger Diarmuid Kilgallen scored out wide, and Jack Carty added the conversion after 11 minutes.
Minutes late a yellow card was issued to John Porch for cynical play in front of the posts after John Ryan made the initial break to move Munster closer to the line. Carbery took the three points on offer.
A Connacht offside allowed Munster kick for the corner and following a series of pick and goes Gavin Coombes scored from close-range. Joey added the conversion on the half hour mark.
Munster upped the pace and asked a lot of questions of the Connacht defence as they advanced inside the hosts 22 but a handling error ended the attacking phase before an impressive defensive display on the opposite end closed out the half.
Connacht made a raft of changes and came out of the blocks on the return getting their second try through Paul Boyle to restore their lead. Former Munster man JJ Hanrahan stepped up to add the conversion.
Indiscipline proved costly for the home side when Boyle became the second Connacht player to be binned after a series of infringements while defending their line against Munster’s lineout.
Diarmuid Barron got over for the first of two Munster tries during that period when taking the inside pass from Carbery to get over close to the line.
The men in red again went through the phases with quick ball around the fringes and moved the ball out with the numbers advantage to then send Rory Scannell over on 57 minutes.
Joey was again flawless off the tee adding both conversions to move Munster ahead by 10 moving into the final quarter.
Connacht responded with their third try taken by Cathal Forde to reduce the gap. There was five points going into the final 15 with JJ’s conversion attempt drifting wide.
The province closed out the game with another determined defensive display to ensure Graham Rowntree’s side came away from the Sportsground with the win.
Connacht v Munster Pre-Season Round-Up
Josh Costello made his senior Munster debut.
Shay McCarthy made his first Munster start.
There was a change to the originally named match-day squad with the withdrawal of Stephen Archer. John Ryan started in his place and Keynan Knox was added to the bench.
Munster are back at Thomond Park for the first time in over six months next Saturday, September 30, with the visit of the Barbarians in a double-header with the Women’s team. Buy tickets here
