WATCH: Highlights as Munster survive tricky opening to beat Southern Kings

Munster sealed their place  in the Guinness PRO14 Final Series with a 39-22 win against Southern Kings in their first visit to South Africa.

Despite a far from impressive opening, Johann van Graan’s side went over for six tries for a bonus-point win at Outeniqua Park in George.

The win means and they cannot now be caught by the Cardiff Blues and sets up next Friday’s clash with the Cheetahs as an opportunity to seal a home quarter final.

Southern Kings vs Munster: Munster’s David Kilcoyne

Ian Keatley’s penalty put Munster ahead into a 17th minute lead. Gerbrandt Grobler was then yellow carded following an illegal ruck clear out which seemed as the outset to be a bit harsh.

The home side took advantage and led 15-3 following converted tries from flanker Andisa Ntsila and lock Stephan Greeff, plus a well struck Masixole Banda’s penalty.

Munster needed a response before the game got away from them. It came via two vastly differing routes. Firstly Niall Scannell barged over from close range. That was followed by a fantastic finish from winger Calvin Nash who cut an excellent line thought the Kings defence and powered past the covering tacklers to score in the corner.

Keatley was off the mark with both conversions but the visitors would go into the changing room trailing 15-13.

Backrower CJ Stander crossed for Munster’s third try which Keatley converted and Munster went on to build a healthy lead.

Johann van Graan’s side were now beginning to take control of the game and further tries from Dan Goggin, Rhys Marshall and Dave Kilcoyne meant that Munster had secured the bonus point.

Keatley added one more conversion to bring Munster’s total to 39 points.

Michael Makase crossed for a late consolation try for the Kings which was converted but it was too little too late for the South African side.