The Munsterand side were left light while the Leinster bench makes a big impression Graham Rowntree’s side did not have the resources to strengthen the Leinster bench on Tuesday night.
3 1.1 k 1 hour ago Ciarán Kennedy THE COMPETITION resumed when Jack Crowley shared the seats at the Aviva Stadium last May, but the Leinster and Munster story has returned to a familiar pattern this season. They have now met twice in the URC before the New Year, so Leinster are on two wins. In Dublin last month, Munster were proud of their performance but were still on the wrong side of a 21-16 defeat. There was a similar feeling in Limerick last night. Graham Rowntree was pleased with his side’s effort in difficult conditions, but Leinster won the battle again for a 9-3 victory on the way back to Dublin. Leo Cullen’s side have now won six of their last seven against Munster. The reaction from both camps says a lot about where these two teams stand. Leinster had the satisfaction of never really getting going on both occasions, but still did enough to get over the line. Picking up wins without playing your best rugby is a good place to be at this stage of the year. Munster, meanwhile, were left empty-handed as they were good up front but fell behind as their squad depth was pushed to the limit. It has been a difficult winter for Graham Rowntree’s side, who are now without a win in their last three games. With the next tough trip to Connacht coming before Champions Cup ties against Toulon (away) and Northampton Saints (home), January couldn’t be much nicer. eoghan-clarke-tackles-hugo-keenanMunsterand#039;s Eoghan Clarke tackles Leinster’s Hugo Keenan. Ben Brady/INPHO Munster’s coaches have done a great job of bringing in the young players, but their squad looks light after a few bruises. With the likes of Peter O’Mahony, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Joey Carbery and Mike Haley sidelined, Munster were already under pressure when three forwards were dropped on Tuesday night. Diarmuid Barron (foot) and Dave Kilcoyne (HIA) both hope to return to action soon, but Edwin Edogbo faces another lengthy layoff with an Achilles injury. The second line has been ruled out for 10 months after a left Achilles tear in October 2021 and four months after a right Achilles tear in November 2022. It is a desperate blow to one of Munster’s most promising youngsters. With the injuries piling up, the province may be looking at short-term cover as they head into the most important matches. Rugby is a team game and Munster need more quality in their ranks. Munster’s challenge has disappeared in the second half in recent weeks – especially when Exeter came alive at Sandy Park – and last night the influence of both benches seemed crucial. With the game on the edge, Leinster were able to field players of the caliber of Dan Sheehan, Jason Jenkins, Ryan Baird and Will Connors, all of whom helped the visitors go on top in the final quarter. Munster just didn’t have the same resources to fall back on. And yet they were well engaged for most of the game. Jack Crowley is disappointed to concede three points early in the second half, but he beat his Leinster counterpart Harry Byrne. A misfire proved costly but the conditions played a part and Munster were desperately unlucky to lose Barron so early. It was a difficult move for Eoghan Clarke, who only signed for the province last month following the liquidation of Jersey Reds. alex-nankivell-with-ciaran-frawley-and-scott-penny Alex Nankivell had another Ryan Byrne/INPHO Munster will be encouraged by how their experienced defense kept their control of play in this area, with some of the newer faces in their squad making a positive impact. Alex Nankivell enjoyed some bright moments, including one powerful first-half drive and a lively turnover, while Oli Jager briefly engaged in an intriguing battle with Andrew Porter. Munster will be hoping both players become increasingly influential as they settle into their new surroundings. The result was very satisfying for Leinster and Leo Cullen’s side are developing a comfortable habit of putting close contests aside. It wasn’t a statement in the same sense as their victory over La Rochelle, but the province once again dug deep to claim victory in difficult conditions. The influence of Jacques Nienaber on the group becomes more and more evident. Leinster enjoy the sharper sides of the game and some of their line speed last night was remarkable. After Andrew Porter appeared on the wrong side of some scrum calls, he created big moments in the open and Joe McCarthy made a powerful appearance before reinforcements from the bench helped Leinster see it home. In the end, there was a certain inevitability to it all as Leinster closed out the game with relative ease. Not at their best but still too strong for a Munster side who will have to accept the bodies sooner rather than later.
