HIGHLIGHTS | Munster claim URC title in style in Cape Town

A superb team move created the opening for Hodnett to go over in the left corner late on to seal the result and dethrone the champions.

Munster won their first United Rugby Championship, and their first trophy since 2011 as The Red Army defeated defending champions DHL Stormers on a score line of 19-14 in Cape Town on Saturday.

Graham Rowntree’s men were good value for their win, having a number of tries ruled out as they ended their twelve year trophy drought in dramatic fashion. John Hodnett was the hero on the day, his late try securing victory.

The defending champions surged into an early lead, as Antoine Frisch misplaced a pass into the path of Manie Libbok. The South African went over and the try was converted to give the Stormers a 7-0 lead.

Diarmuid Barron hit back with a try for the Irish side, after Tadhg Beirne took the ball from a lineout.

Munster wing Calvin Nash managed to get in for a try before the break, with Crowley’s well executed crosskick sending him through. Crowley converted and Munster held a 12-7 lead at half time.

With 50 minutes on the clock, Stormers would regain the lead. Deon Fourie managed to get through for his side, and Libbok converted, sending his side into a 14-12 lead.

The game was in the melting pot, and The Red Army stood up. A superb team move created the opening for Hodnett to go over in the left corner, sending the Munster faithful into raptures. Crowley nailed a difficult conversion to stretch the lead to five points.

The whistle went when Beirne forced an excellent turnover inside his own 22, and Rowntree’s men had ended their long trophy drought, running out five point winners in the DHL Stadium.

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