Carbery imperious as Munster crush Gloucester to take control of Pool 2

Joey Carbery turned in a masterclass display of control and attacking flair to register a thumping 41-15 bonus point win over Gloucester to take full control of their Pool 2 destiny.

Carbery reminded Leinster fans what they are missing with a 26 point haul and pulling the home side to the sword but the performance was built on forward power and set piece superiority.

The home side started well with some good pressure but Munster would draw first blood on 20 minutes when the out half touched down after some excellent hard yards from the forwards.

Right before half time Munster struck for another try when Rory Scannell fended off four defenders to crash over after 27 phases form the backs and forwards. Carbery converted and Munster took a 20-8 point lead in at the break.

Keith Earls and Andrew Conway also touched down for tries. There was however some injury concern as Munster captain Peter O’Mahony went off nursing what appeared to be a rib injury just after half-time. Carbery then put the icing on the cake with a superb intercept try to bury any slim Gloucester hopes of a comeback.

Despite his absence, Munster never missed a beat and continued their business in a ruthless and efficient manner. Gloucester tries came through wing Ollie Thorley and prop Fraser Balmain with Billy Twelvetrees adding penalty and a conversion.

The defeat ends Gloucester’s interest in the competition while a win at Thomond Park next weekend will secure Munster a place in the last eight if they beat current Gallagher Premiership leaders Exeter.