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Rugby

21st May 2022

United Rugby Championship quarter finals confirmed as Leinster beat Munster

Patrick McCarry

LEINSTER 35-25 MUNSTER

Jordan Larmour returned with a huge, attacking bang as Leinster sent Munster on the road for the United Rugby Championship quarter finals.

Leinster twice fell behind to Johann van Graan’s side but had all the right answers, even without many of their leading players.

The score was 15-12 to the reigning league champions, at half-time, with a Harry Byrne penalty separating the sides after Leinster’s two tries (Scott Penny and Cormac Foley) were matched by Munster (Jack O’Donoghue and Keith Earls).

Munster, hoping for at least two points to secure a home quarter final, hit the front early in the second half when Conor Murray got over for a try that Joey Carbery converted. That, unfortunately for Munster, was as good as it got.

Jordan Larmour, who was returning to the Leinster XV after a period on the sidelines, was already having a fine game before he beat six defenders on one mazy carry. Leinster kept up a rapid tempo and Rory O’Loughlin finished off their sweeping move to score.

Home quarter final opportunity missed

Leinster then followed up that O’Loughlin try with a penalty try after a powerful rolling maul had the visitors in all sorts of trouble.

Joey Carbery kicked a penalty to make it a one-score game, but Harry Byrne responded with one of his own. Munster were then hoping for a losing bonus point and try-scoring bonus, with a late score but their best chance was spurned when Carbery passed too high for Jack Daly and Jamie Osbourne tackled him out of play.

The result means van Graan’s charges must now travel to Kingspan Stadium for their quarter final. Leinster, meanwhile, host Glasgow Warriors at home.

Our Man of the Match: Jordan Larmour (Leinster)

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS

  • Leinster v Glasgow Warriors  
  • Stormers v Edinburgh  
  • Ulster v Munster  
  • Bulls v Sharks 

 

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