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Connacht boost URC play-off hopes with Munster win
TL;DR
Connacht secured a crucial bonus-point victory over Munster, enhancing their chances for a play-off spot in the United Rugby Championship. The win narrows the gap to Ulster and Cardiff in the standings.
Key points
- Connacht won against Munster
- Final score: Connacht 26, Munster 19
- Connacht's win boosts play-off hopes
ConnachtMunsterUnited Rugby Championship
Connacht's bonus-point win helped them close the gap to Ulster and Cardiff above them in the race for the play-offs [Getty Images]
United Rugby Championship
Connacht: (19) 26
Tries: B Murphy, Bolton, Hurley-Langton, Jansen Cons: Gilbert (3)
Munster: (0) 7
Tries: Casey Cons: Hanrahan
Connacht boosted their hopes of sneaking into the United Rugby Championship play-offs with a bonus-point 26-7 win over injury-hit Munster at Dexcom Stadium.
The hosts led 19-0 at half-time courtesy of tries from Ben Murphy, Shayne Bolton and Shamus Hurley-Langton.
Sean Jansen added a fourth in the second half to secure the bonus point that moves Connacht a point behind eight-place Ulster, who occupy the final play-off spot.
Clayton McMillan's side, who were missing Jack Crowley, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Farrell, Oli Jager, Jean Kleyn and Calvin Nash for the interpro, drop to sixth after the defeat.
The hosts started well in Galway and were rewarded with the opening try on 12 minutes as Ben Murphy got over to score between the posts and Sam Gilbert added the extras.
Things went from bad to worse for Munster as Diarmuid Barron was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Dylan Tierney-Martin, which was eventually upgraded to a 20-minute red card.
Connacht took advantage of having an extra man as Bolton crossed in the corner for their second try on 20 minutes.
A third arrived five minutes before the break as Hurley-Langton scored after persistent pressure from the home side with Gilbert accurate from the tee.
Munster's hopes of a quick response in the second half were dashed when replacement Alex Kendall's try was chalked off after a television match official [TMO] review spotted that he had lost control of the ball and touched down before the line and then knocked-on.
They did eventually get their first try on 68 minutes with Craig Casey touching down and JJ Hanrahan adding the two points from the tee.
Connacht hit back soon after and claimed a bonus point as Jansen forced his way over.
Stuart Lancaster's side will face a final day trip to Edinburgh on Friday while Munster are at home to Lions on Saturday.
Q&A
How did Connacht's win against Munster affect their URC standings?
Connacht's victory improved their position in the United Rugby Championship, bringing them closer to Ulster and Cardiff in the play-off race.
Who scored tries for Connacht in their match against Munster?
Ben Murphy, Bolton, Hurley-Langton, and Jansen each scored tries for Connacht during the match.
What was the final score of the Connacht vs Munster match?
The final score was Connacht 26, Munster 19.