HIGHLIGHTS | Leinster do enough to escape Thomond Park with St Stephen’s Day win against Munster

Munster’s poor run of form continued against Leinster on St Stephen’s Day in Thomond Park.

Munster ended 2022 with a one-point defeat to Leinster at Thomond Park in front of a fantastic sold-out crowd of 25,600.

It was a tough defeat to take as Munster had led 14-6 at the start of the second half thanks to a Gavin Coombes converted try and a penalty try but two quick-fire tries from Leinster between minutes 49 to 53 was enough to see them over the line.

Graham Rowntree’s men responded with a third try from Academy full-back Patrick Campbell but Leinster played the majority of the last 16 minutes in Munster territory to see out the victory.

Ross Byrne kicked Leinster into a 3-0 lead after three minutes when Munster were pinged for not rolling away.

Byrne kicked Leinster’s second penalty on 20 minutes when Munster were penalised for not rolling away to make it 6-0.

Good composure from the pack saw them finish off the opportunity as Coombes scored from close-range with Carbery converting to make it 7-6 to Munster after 31 minutes.

Munster started the second half on the front foot with Leinster penalised at the breakdown and in the lineout. Carbery kicked to the left corner and Munster worked the maul superbly to win the penalty try and move 14-6 ahead after 43 minutes.

Despite the man disadvantage, Leinster hit back on 49 minutes with their first try as Scott Penny scored off a well-worked decoy play off a five-metre tap and go.

Leinster had the upper hand and were back in front on 53 minutes as Sheehan powered over from another five-metre tap and go. Byrne converted to make it 20-14 to Leinster.

Roman Salanoa and Coombes made big carries with Casey zipping out the passes to keep the attack moving before whipping a pass for Academy full-back Patrick Campbell to score in the right corner.

Carbery’s touchline conversion was off target as Leinster led 20-19 with 15 minutes to go.

Huge maul defence from Munster stopped Leinster twice in the final 10 minutes but the visitors saw out the remainder and claimed the victory.

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