Trip to South Africa next for Munster after Dragons slaying

Munster got their competitive campaign off to a perfect start with a 39-9 win over the Dragons in the Pro14 at Thomond Park before heading off to South Africa earlier this week.

Johann van Graan’s side crossed for five tries in the win and will be full of confidence ahead of the upcoming games against the South Kings and Cheetahs.

In a game played in horrific conditions, Munster started slowly, but the result never looked in doubt once Arno Botha crossed for the first try.

Jack O’Donoghue soon followed up with a second, before a bit of magic from Shane Daly accounted for Munster’s third try and a 22-9 half time advantage.

Tyler Bleyendaal’s effort on the hour made sure of the bonus point. Diarmuid Barron then came off the bench to score Munster’s fifth and final try.

Following the game, van Graan paid tribute to his players after a professional display.

“I thought it was quite a clinical performance. The first 10 minutes, played the conditions very well and put the ball in behind us.

“We adjusted our plan a little it because the ball was so slippy. We then started to get some ascendancy and our forwards got control.

The process went very well. I thought some of our plays went really well. Our defence went really well and that’s what we build on.

“There is a lot of talk about the attack, but we didn’t concede a try. The way we defended our line, that’s what I want to see, that killer instinct.”

Van Graan also singled out winger Daly for his fantastic showing that yielded him the man of the match award.

Daly is one of a number of younger players looking to shine while Munster’s Irish players are away in Japan.

“I thought it was excellent. “That exact same kick and score he actually trained in the week.

“That’s nice to see, but also the mid set to go for it and actually execute. He is a very good player.

“He has a long way to go in terms of his development, but very nice to give him an opportunity to start and for him to make use of those opportunities.”

Munster play the Southern Kings in the first of their two games in consecutive weeks in South Africa this Saturday. Van Graan has named a 28-man squad for the trip. The Kings lost out to Cardiff Blues in their opening game of the season.

Van Graan has included short term signing Jed Holloway in the touring party after he was granted a work permit.

Dan Goggin and Calvin Nash also make the trip to South Africa after returning from injury. The game versus the Kings is live on eirSport 1 and 3pm.