Munster finished off their pre season preparation with a 35-26 win over Worcester last night.
Munster conceded four first half tries as they showed signs of preseason rustiness but a much better defensive performance in the second half saw them emerge with a satisfying win at Sixways Stadium.
Despite a leaky defence in the first half Munster showed attacking promise as they scored twice through Tommy O’Donnell and Duncan Williams to stay in touch of the English outfit.
Williams went on to score his second of the game and Munster’s third shortly after the break before scores from prop Brian Scott and new scrum half recruit, James Hart secured the victory for the province.
Given that it was a pre season game Munster will be acutely aware that there is lots to work on before Treviso come to Irish Independent Park next Friday.
FULL-TIME | Warriors 26-35 Munster. pic.twitter.com/QmI64uGfmy
— Worcester Warriors ⚔️ (@WorcsWarriors) August 24, 2017
Another pleasing aspect was the return of several players from injury with development lock Sean McCarthy and experienced hooker Mike Sherry both making appearances having missed last season with knee and back injuries respectively. Sherry came on for Rhys Marshall with 20 minutes left and and McCarthy was introduced after 20 minutes for Tommy O’Donnell who received a head injury.
New signing’s Gerbrandt Grobler and Chris Farrell made their debuts for Erasmus’ men from the start with former Grenoble and Racing scrum half Hart featuring from the bench.
Sub academy’s Ronan Coffey also made his debut for the province after being introduced as a second half substitute. Unfortunately for South African Grobler, he had to leave the field injured after suffering an ankle injury towards the end of the game and will be assessed further in the coming days.
All in all it was a good showing for Munster as they gear up for the new season. A new season that will hopefully see the province build on last year’s superb progress and take that extra step towards silverware.
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