Leinster Holds Off Munster In Front Of Record Crowd At Croke Park
Leinster Holds Off Munster In Front Of Record Crowd At Croke Park
Leinster overpowered Munster in a decisive URC clash at Croke Park, reaffirming its dominance with an early three-try blitz and strong defensive display.
Leinster reaffirmed its dominance over Munster in a thrilling Round 4 URC clash at Croke Park, a venue that has been the stage for some of the team's most defining victories.
In front of 80,468 spectators, Leinster showed it was not prepared to give any ground to its longtime rival, continuing a legacy that began with a seismic 2009 European Cup semifinal win.
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While Leinster’s season ultimately will be judged by the trophies the team might collect, these 80 minutes provided a stark reminder of the squad's power and depth.
Despite missing key players, such as Joe McCarthy and Rabah Slimani, along with the highly anticipated arrival of All Black Jordie Barrett, Leinster never looked in danger, controlling the game from the outset and leaving Munster reeling after a nightmarish opening 25 minutes.
Munster, on the other hand, endured a difficult start, conceding three tries and making five substitutions due to head injury assessments and blood replacements, three of which came at hooker.
The set-piece faltered, losing two lineouts that led to Leinster's second try.
Even when Munster had the opportunity to score, luck was against them.
Jack Crowley’s penalty struck the bar, and Calvin Nash’s potential try was disallowed for a forward pass, with Leinster winning the resulting scrum penalty.
Leinster’s attacking play was fluid and assured.
Leinster wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with James Lowe opening the scoring after just six minutes, followed by two quick tries from Caelan Doris and Hugo Keenan. With all three tries converted by Ciarán Frawley, Munster was trailing 21-0 within 15 minutes.
Although Munster regrouped and earned a try through Sean O’Brien, it was short-lived.
Leinster’s bonus-point try, fittingly scored by former Munster player RG Snyman, sent his new team into halftime leading 26-5.
The second half lacked the intensity of the first, with Munster coming closest to scoring but being undone by handling errors. Leinster, solid in defense, cleared their lines, securing yet another victory over its historic rival.
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