“It was an incredibly physical and competitive derby match.” - Peter O’Mahony

Munster would have breathed a big sigh of relief when the final whistle sounded at The Sportsground last night as the scoreboard read 16-10 in their favour against Connacht.

There were only 13 red jerseys left on the park at the game’s conclusion after Munster were shown two yellow cards. They defended their try-line bravely in the dying minutes to keep Connacht from scoring a try which could have given them the game.

“We are pleased with the victory but it is a really tough place to come to, specifically against a side that is very high on confidence,” said Johann van Graan, Munster’s head coach said.

“I thought we did very well for 39 minutes of the first half then we conceded that penalty that made it 16-3 at half-time.

“They did really well in the last 20 minutes of the game and I’m really glad we came through this one. All credit to all involved – it was a very difficult place to defend a scrum, five yards from your own try line with 13 men. I thought we did really well.”

Munster Lock Tadhg Beirne was immense in the forwards and spearheaded his team’s effort with a man-of-the-match performance. For his captain, Peter O’Mahony, leaving Galway with the victory was enough.

“It was an incredibly physical and competitive derby match,” said O’Mahony. “They’re an incredibly impressive and proud team playing at home. It’s rare you come out of here with four points.

“These games are never done until the 80 minutes are up. We were lucky in the end. We conceded too many penalties, they forced us to do that, but indiscipline is the main reason we put ourselves under pressure, and they played well. We’re lucky to get out of here with a win.

“Tonight was hugely important, we know that was a big win going forward for us in this competition.”