Connacht come up short against Munster in Castlebar

Played in front of a record-breaking attendance, 27,580 fans braced the cold conditions to witness a historic clash which had plenty of drama throughout. With the wind in their favour, Munster secured their first try after thirteen minutes when Tom Ahern bustled his way over the line. Minutes later, Sean Jansen replied with a well-worked try for Connacht, and with a strong wind working against Connacht in the opening half, it was difficult to convert placed kicks. Superb play from Calvin Nash gave a great opportunity for Craig Casey who got his first try in what was his first game back since December. Connacht captain Cian Prendergast had to be replaced after he was on the end of a high tackle which resulted in Munster’s Alex Nankivell receiving a red card. Munster led 18-5 at the interval.

With Connacht having a strong wind at their disposal and a numerical advantage, it was certainly game on. Just five minutes into the second half, Caolan Blade got over for a try with Josh Ioane adding the conversion. Munster hit back with two tries in a short period of time, which looked like it was game over. Munster’s Tadhg Beirne received a yellow card, so they were playing with thirteen players for a period in which Connacht reduced the deficit with Sean Jansen securing his second try of the game. In the 73rd minute, Josh Ioane finished off a very well-worked team move to leave just six in it. The men in green secured another try, which sent MacHale Park wild, but it appeared Bundee Aki committed a foul in the build-up, so it was disallowed. Although Connacht finished the game well, it wasn’t enough as Munster secured the crucial points.