Munster’s URC season continued on a high with their second successive win on Saturday night, 23-20 win over Cardiff in Thomond Park.
Man of the match Jack Crowley contributed eight points from the boot to add to the three tries scored by Ruadhán Quinn, Gavin Coombes and Diarmuid Barron.
Conversely, it is Leinster who find themselves in the zero area of the table after they suffered their second loss in South Africa, albeit with a much-improved performance against the Bulls who emerged victorious by 39-31 in an 11-try fest in Pretoria.
This double loss start to the season hasn’t happened to the eastern province in 23 years, but that said they are short their Lions contingent and Saturday’s showing was a much better display than their 35-0 loss in the opening game against the Stormers.
Still, this was a game Head Coach Leo Cullen will be unhappy with as his charges led with 10 minutes left in the game only to allow their opponents in for late, late scores to turn the tables at the death
They trailed 22-10 at half-time but two tries at the start of the second half put them in pole position. However, it was the hosts that finished stronger to claim a bonus-point win.
Leinster had allowed their opponents in for two early tries before Sam Prendergast kicked a penalty in the 20th minute for his side’s first points of the season. Even with Will Connors in the bin, Leinster showed true grit and Thomas Clarkson barged over following a close-range tap and go penalty.
Shooting themselves in the foot has become something of a specialty for this Leinster group who then gave away two penalties which saw a successful kick and a third try from Mpilo Gumede just before the break.
Cullen obviously had hard words as his side came out transformed and tries from Hugh Cooney and Tommy O’Brien, with Prendergast converting both saw the visitors edge ahead by 24-22.
Willie le Roux scored almost immediately after being introduced and while Leinster hit back with Scott Penny dotting down from close range.
Prendergast’s conversion put Leinster four to the good but poor defending led to Stravino Jacobs scoring in the corner.
Searching for a comeback, Leinster threw caution to the win and Prendergast’s effort was intercepted by Kriel who got his second try of the match and ended Leinster’s chances of a recovery.
