Munster grind Tigers into submission as Matt O’Connor cries foul

Munster maintained their unbeaten record in this season’s Champions Cup to take temporary control of Pool 4 and know that a win on the road next Saturday will be a huge step towards sealing a quarter final spot.

With the return of the international contingent, the home side built a 23-3 halftime lead on the back of some serious work at the breakdown and some clinical finishing. The tries coming courtesy of Rhys Marshall and Simon Zebo.

Peter O’Mahony crossed before Harry Thacker scored Tigers’ only try, but Chris Cloete secured the bonus point.

Munster now lead Leicester by five points before next Sunday’s Welford Road tie. The performance will have pleased Johann van Graan experienced his first taste of European at the helm of the province.

Led by returning captain O’Mahony, they suffocated the visitors at the breakdown, with South African flanker Cloete impressing at open-side in his first Champions Cup game for Munster.

Munster head coach Johann van Graan speaking to TV: “I thought we started the game pretty well, I’m very happy with the win first, and the bonus point. We will enjoy the win.

“We knew this was going to be a big clash, two of the best teams in Europe. Just look at the history between the two clubs.

“Like I said last week, you never take a win for granted and come back on Monday and start again at zero.”

Leicester head coach Matt O’Connor speaking to TV:

“We were inaccurate, you cannot come here and be inaccurate. I thought we were poor, we didn’t look after the ball well enough and we turned over the ball 20 times.

“Munster took their chances in the first half, they were very clinical and accurate. From there, they were very diligent and cynical – they killed the ball whenever we had opportunities. That made it hard for us to score.

“Without stating the obvious, next Sunday’s game is really important.”

Ian Keatley was speaking with Munster Rugby in the aftermath of what was a fine win.

Video credit Munster Rugby.