Munster through to URC semi-final with Ospreys victory | HIGHLIGHTS

The hosts saw out the remainder of the game to secure a semi-final, fixed for next Saturday at 6pm in Thomond Park.

Munster have advanced to the semi-finals of the URC after overcoming a strong Ospreys side 23-7 at Thomond Park on Friday evening.

The hosts produced a blistering start, with slick passing causing the Ospreys problems as the home side brought play into the opposition 22.

The ball was spread wide to Simon Zebo, the fullback attacking a gap between two Ospreys defenders and showing enough strength to get through the tackle attempt and cross for the game’s opening try. Jack Crowley landed the tough conversion from the right hand side to give Munster an early 7-0 lead.

Ospreys hit back straight away when on a penalty advantage, the Welsh side dinked a ball over the Munster defence which was collected before a pass went to Keelan Giles who used his acceleration to get away and score next to the posts. Owen Williams converted to level the game.

Munster retook the lead when a series of lineout mauls led to Niall Scannell peeling off the back and powering over for his side’s second try. Crowley’s conversion sailed through the posts to give Munster a 14-7 lead.

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Munster kept applying pressure and an incredible piece of individual skill from Shane Daly where he volleyed Crowley’s crossfield kick almost resulted in a try for the winger.

Munster won another penalty close to Ospreys’ line which allowed a chance for a shot at goal which saw Crowley extend the host’s lead to 17-7.

Graham Rowntree’s men defended resolutely in the final 10 minutes of the first half to keep Ospreys at bay and ensure a 10-point lead at the break.

Approaching the midway point of the second-half, Munster were dominating possession and territory but a combination of unforced errors and good Ospreys defence were hindering any ability to get further points on the board.

Munster’s pressure was yielding penalties and they opted for the posts on two occasions which saw Crowley stretch the lead to 23-7.

The hosts saw out the remainder of the game to secure a semi-final, fixed for next Saturday at 6pm in Thomond Park.