Big bonus-point win for Munster
Two tries in each half helped Munster to record a hugely important all-Irish magners League victory over Ulster at Thomond Park on Saturday evening.
Springbok international Jean De Villiers started the scoring for the home side after just 13 minutes, putting them in control of the match early on.
Ulster though, in form heading into the clash, quickly bounced back with a try of their own and, after a Humphreys’ penalty on 21 minutes, found themselves 10-7 up.
Lions tourist David Wallace scored his teams second try just seven minutes from the break, helping them to go to half time 14-10 ahead.
After some strong words at half time both sides came out of the tunnel firing.
Just seven minutes into the half wing Keith Earls grabbed try number three, taking the score to 19-10 and giving the home fans plenty of confidence heading into the final half an hour.
With six minutes left on the clock Ulster centre Darren Cave was sent to the sin bin and, while playing against 14 men, Munster made the most of their chance to score. Fullback Paul Warwick completed the job with try number four on 80 minutes.
The Scorers
For Munster
Tries: De Villiers, Wallace, Earls, Warwick
Con: O’Gara 2
For Ulster
Try: Humphreys
Pens: Humphreys
Con: Humphreys
The teams:
Munster: 15 Paul Warwick, 14 Ian Dowling, 13 Lifeimi Mafi, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O’Gara, 9 Tomas O’Leary, 8 Denis Leamy, 7 David Wallace, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Paul O’Connell (captain), 4 Donncha O’Callaghan, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Denis Fogarty, 1 Julien Brugnaut.
Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Mick O’Driscoll, 19 Niall Ronan, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Denis Hurley, 22 Felix Jones.
Ulster: 15 Clinton Schifcofske, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Chris Henry, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 4 Ed O’Donoghue, 3 Brendon Botha, 2 Nigel Brady, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Andy Kyriacou, 17 Bryan Young, 18 Tamaiti Horua, 19 Robbie Diack, 20 Paul Marshall, 21 Ian Whitten, 22 Simon Danielli.
Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: D Keane (IRFU), K Beggs (IRFU)
TMO: Tony Redmond (IRFU)