Highlights | Munster fall in URC opener in Cardiff

Munster fell to an opening day URC defeat in Cardiff on Saturday with Graham Rowntree’s side securing a losing bonus point.

Graham Rowntree’s competitive debut in charge of Munster ended in defeat as Cardiff secured a 20-13 home win in the opening round of the URC.

Munster took the lead with twenty minutes to play but the hosts crossed for their third try late on to secure the victory.

Cardiff took the lead early on with Max Llewellyn breaking the line inside three minutes. The conversion was missed with a pair of Ben Healy penalties handing the lead back to Munster.

However, Kristian Dacey bagged their second try to give the hosts a 12-6 advantage at the interval.

The next score didn’t arrive until 20 minutes into the second period, with Munster’s Jack O’Sullivan powering over the line.

Jack Crowley was spot on with the conversion as Munster moved 12-13 in front. But Jarrod Evan’s restored Cardiff’s lead with a penalty before Alex Summerhill crossed for their final try and the last score of the contest.

Munster: Shane Daly; Calvin Nash, Chris Farrell (Antoine Frisch, 59), Malakai Fekitoa, Liam Coombes; Ben Healy (Jack Crowley, 55), Paddy Patterson; Josh Wycherley (Dave Kilcoyne, 55), Niall Scannell (Diarmuid Barron, 55), Keynan Knox (Roman Salanoa, 52); Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley (Tom Ahern, 69); Jack O’Donoghue (C), Alex Kendellen (John Hodnett, 21-32, 40), Jack O’Sullivan.

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Munster are on the road in round two as they travel to Rodney Park to take on the Dragons this Sunday at 3pm.