“Hopefully that gives us the boost we need to kick on” | Munster’s Conor Phillips hopeful Zebre win can be turning point

Munster were yet to find a win after their first two URC fixtures this season before beating the Italians in Cork.

After three games in the URC, Graham Rowntree and his Munster side finally got off the mark last weekend with a 21-5 win over Zebre on Saturday evening.

Niall Scannell got two tries to his name with Keynan Knox notching the third while Ben Healy converted all of them to give the province a 21-0 half-time lead in what was a dominant display.

Things were looking bleak for Rowntree’s side after last weekend’s defeat against Dragons but 23-year-old Conor Phillips believes the side gave the reaction needed and is hopeful that the win can be their turning point.

“There was a bit of reaction from the Dragon’s (game), I thought we played well but just in the 22 we need to be a bit more clinical.

“Bit disappointed not to come away with a bonus point, but still hopefully now we can just push on from here, two losses to start but we got the win now and hopefully that gives us the boost that we need for the rest of the season.

It was a special day for Phillips himself who made his Munster debut in Saturday’s victory as he was named in the starting XV for the first time.

The winger was ‘buzzing’ to make his first appearance for the side and was impressed by the Musgrave Park atmosphere on the day.

“I’m buzzing. The atmosphere was class as well, I’ve played a few of my biggest matches here and it was class to have my mom in the crowd and to get the win on my debut.”

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Phillips and Munster face Connacht this Friday at 7:35pm in round four of the United Rugby Championship.