URC Champion Munster Rugby Defeats Super Rugby Champion Crusaders In Cork
URC Champion Munster Rugby Defeats Super Rugby Champion Crusaders In Cork
URC champions Munster Rugby defeated the Super Rugby Crusaders at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, Ireland, in a historic inter-isphere clash of the champions.
United Rugby Championship champion Munster Rugby defeated the Super Rugby champion Crusaders in a cross-hemisphere exhibition fixture 21-19.
Playing at the historic Gaelic Football stadium Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, Ireland, the two championship sides went toe to toe for the full 80 minutes.
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Munster utility forward Gavin Coombes sent a reminder to Ireland head coach Andy Farrell that he is still pushing for an international recall as he scored two tries.
Coombes's two tries both came in the first half and shifted Munster into a 14-0 lead.
Gavin Coombes with the opening try of the game 💪#MUNvCRU #SUAF 🔴
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 3, 2024
pic.twitter.com/xn2xZ4VK4V
The Crusaders would end the half positively, as scrumhalf Mitchell Drummond scored in the 38th minute to bring his team back into the contest.
The second half would be a role reversely, as the Crusaders scored two tries through Dallas McLeod, who brought the scores level at 14-14, and Jamie Hannah, who scored in the 80th minute.
In between the Crusader's scores, Munster hooker Scott Buckley scored under the posts for the match-winning try. Joey Carbery added three conversions, which was the difference between the two sides.
Gavin Coombes with his second try 💪#MUNvCRU #MunsterInThePáirc #SUAF 🔴
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 3, 2024
pic.twitter.com/FH6h7QvBPv
Both sides were short several international stars, but the quality of play on display was remarkable.
For Munster, they will be hoping that the win will act as a similar platform to their win over South Africa last season at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, which proved to be a springboard for their run to the URC title.
The Crusaders, on the other hand, will take plenty of learnings ahead of the Super Rugby season kicking off in three weeks.
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