Munster trump Leinster for Celtic League title

Long-time league leaders Munster outscored European champions Leinster three tries to nil in a 19-9 win to claim the Celtic League title here on Saturday.

Munster, who have topped the table since round two of the competition, claimed tries from wingers Doug Howlett and Keith Earls, along with a late penalty try, while Leinster could only muster three penalties from Jonathan Sexton.

Sexton miscued a long-range penalty with the wind behind him, six minutes in, and although Leinster won a series of early turnovers Munster were showing much more in attack.

Twice Howlett was put into space on the right and on the third occasion, Lifeimi Mafi danced away from Eoin Reddan to send the former All Black over in the corner for the opening try.

Ronan O'Gara read the wind superbly to stab the conversion over, rewarding his forwards for an energetic start.

The turnover rate was high as the sides scrapped for every ball. Munster exerted more control through O'Gara and Conor Murray, with Leinster having to attack from deep.

A sparkling run and pass from Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll got Leinster immediately into scoring range after the break.

The visitors' forwards battered away at Munster's defensive line until Donncha O'Callaghan saw yellow for not rolling away in front of his posts.

Sexton then claimed two penalties in quick succession and with 20 minutes remaining it was anybody's game.

Munster then barged back to within metres of the Leinster line, a thunderous tackle from Luke Fitzgerald knocking Howlett to the ground just when a try looked on.

But Munster turned the screw when O'Gara lofted a cross-field kick over to Earls, who avoided Isa Nacewa's initial challenge and scored despite a despairing tackle from Shane Horgan.

O'Gara was narrowly wide with the conversion and watched his 48-metre penalty miss the target, with nine minutes remaining.

However, Leinster's hopes were extinguished by the concession of a third try. One of their strengths all season, the scrum, let them down as Munster drove them back at an alarming rate on two occasions and referee Nigel Owens signalled for a penalty try.

O'Gara's conversion took the lead to 10 points and Leinster were even denied a meaningless late try as both Kevin McLaughlin and Nathan Hines were stopped by Munster's dogged defence.

Date published : 28 May 201121:30:07

Add your comment * required information

*

*
This will be kept private & will not be displayed alongside your comment.

*
eg. London, UK

*

Please tick to confirm that you have read rugby.co.uk terms & conditions.

advertisment

skip to content