Munster v Scarlets

[An Tarbh]

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Munster v Scarlets</div>

If results go their way this weekend Munster could well have the Magners League wrapped up. If they get a bp win and the Ospreys lose then neither them nor Leinster will be able to catch the European Champions.

There's also the interesting sub plot of the 2 Lions fly halves going up against each other.

Munster will have 7 of their Lions contingent available with their captain being rested ahead of next weekend's semi final at Croker.

The Scarlets season has imploded and defeat for them coupled with victory for the Blues and the Dragons could see them being dragged into the playoff for the final HEC spot.

Munster should have enough for the win but whether they'll get the bp remains to be seen.

 

[monkeypigeon]

Actually that subplot won't be that interesting. I think Priestland is starting and Jones is on the bench.

 

[shtove]

Tricky one for Munster. They don't want to do an MU on it.

 

[An Tarbh]

ah Tulsen don't be codding yourself of course Munster have been thinking this week about the HEC, if they weren't thinking about the HEC then Paul O'Connell would be starting tonight.

 

[An Tarbh]

good man Donncha, living up to reputation at least, Priestland kicking like he did the last time these sides met, poor effort.

 

[An Tarbh]

even when they try and mess things up for themselves they still manage to score, Howlett could have easily put Earls away before and Warwick took it on too much as well but eventually out to Dowling to stroll over.

 

[An Tarbh]

early loss for Munster with O'Leary down with an ankle injury, Stringer coming on, hopefully for him it's not too serious with next week approaching and his Lions tour spot as well.

 

[An Tarbh]

he looks pretty distraught going off there, hope it's not too serious.

 

[An Tarbh]

meanwhile Priestland manages to knock over a penalty in front of the posts.

7-3 Munster 10 mins

 

[An Tarbh]

Munster back to a 7 point lead afters the Scarlets fail to release just under their posts.

10-3 Munster 12 mins

Setanta saying that O'Leary's early diagnosis is that it's quite serious, whatever that may mean, presumably we'll know more in the week once he's had a scan.

 

[An Tarbh]

think it's held up but good intelligent play from Howlett and Mafi in delaying the pass to create more time for Earls who's just held up.

 

[An Tarbh]

great cover tackle from Williams on Warwick there had he offloaded Dowling would have been in for his second.

 

[An Tarbh]

pity the cameraman didn't twat the little twerp!

 

[An Tarbh]

I know the O'Leary injury may have taken something out of their performance but considering the dominance you'd be slightly worried with only a 10-3 lead at this stage.

 

[An Tarbh]

much better play from Munster, Warwick and Quinlan again heavily involved, fortunate from Wally with the chip to force the knock on, good platform here for Munster to stretch their lead

 

[An Tarbh]

great play from O'Gara taking it back down the blindside again, yards made by both Horan and Flannery and finished off by Wallace, you're rarely going to stop him from 5m out.

 

[An Tarbh]

that card is very harsh on Earls, the ref counted 3 penalties when 1 he referred to was for a knock on, even worse considering what he's letting the Scarlets away with at scrum time.

 

[An Tarbh]

clear obstruction there from the Scarlets, Wallace prevented from making the tackle, this ref goes from bad to worse.

 

[An Tarbh]

17-3 HT, they'll be looking to kick on and get this bonus point in the second half, can see them cutting loose as the tackle count is bound to take its toll on the Scarlets in the final quarter.

 

[Bumbadum]

Munster 1: Rees 0