Report | Munster run riot against Wasps to maintain 100% Champions Cup record heading into knockout stages

Munster put in a dominant display as the they recorded a bonus point win against Wasps in Thomond Park.

Munster successfully made it four wins from four in the Champions Cup this season with 45-7win gainst Wasps on Sunday afternoon in Thomand Park.

And while Munster knew they had clinched a place in the next stage of the tournament, the manner of victory will send a warning to other sides ahead of the knockout rounds.

Before the game Munster were forced into making a few changes due to injury. Dave Kilcoyne had to be replaced with the prop feeling unwell. Jeremy Loughman came in as his replacement.

Keith Earls was also disappointed as he picked up a strain before the game. Simon Zebo stepped up into the position and Alex Kendellen was brought up to the substitutes.

From the start Munster were fast paced and energetic, their play going forward causing Wasps problems from the beginning.

With a strong series of carries from both Stephen Archer and Gavin Coombes the red jerseys found themselves threatening in the Wasps 22.

Tadgh Beirne received the ball from Conor Murray, as Beirne was tackled a Wasp’s player had knocked the ball on in the tackle. Murray alert as ever pounced on the ball and put it down over the line. After deliberation between the referee and the TMO the try was awarded. Ben Healy converted the try for the extras.

Loughman won a big turnover penalty after loose Wasps play in their own 22 and Healy knocked over the penalty to make it 10-0 with 15 minutes played.

The second try was a beauty as Healy received the ball off a lineout and chipped over for Zebo to score his 24^th Munster try in the Champions Cup. This moved Zebo ahead of the great Anthony Foley. Healy’s conversion made it 17-0 after 17 minutes.

However, Wasps didn’t want to just fade out of the game. The English Premiership side hit back with a Dan Robson try on 26 minutes. The scrumhalf sniped over with Charlie Atkinson converting to make it 17-7.

Munster replied minutes later, Jack O’Donoghue finishing well from close range after a monster carry from Gavin Coombes off the back of a scrum.

Wasps had a strong end to the half as Coombes was shown a yellow card just before the clock turned red. Munster defended the onslaught well and earned a penalty on the end of the half.

Quickly after the second half began Munster were in for the bonus-point try that clinched third place in Pool B through Loughman.

From here on in, the game turned scrappy as both sides made multiple changes. One moment of quality during this period was a when Mike Haley nearly got Zebo away on the left wing. Robson was also shown a yellow card for a hit on Murray from the side of the ruck.

In the dying moments of the game Munster scored two great tries to finish off the performance.

From a lineout on the right side of the field, the ball was flung out wide. Haley released Zebo on the wing for him to finish the try like he has done time and time again. Jack Crowley scored the conversion for the extras.

The final try came from a lineout from the left in the middle of the pitch. Zebo made a brilliant break before offloading to Conway who managed to stay in play. The ball came was eventually recycled to Scannell who dotted over line with Crowley converting.

Watch the Highlights here

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