Tipperary lads to the fore as Munster create history in another hemisphere

Munster once more the history makers, this time in a far away field in another hemisphere. The first Irish side to win the URC did so in style on a moody Saturday night, after another epic showing and a foot to the floor drive to victory over a rattled Stormers in Cape Town.

Leading the way alongside Graham Rowntree was Denis Leamy, there like a rock in the background. Well used to winning on big days, his knowledge was key to Munster's rise this season. On the field Diarmuid Barron and Ben Healy, two reared in the premier county, proved their mettle as they each played their part in a famous victory. 

Munster travelled well aware of the mammoth task at hand and the job got even harder when the Stormers started sharp. They punched first. After an intercepted pass Mannie Libbok struck for a try within ten minutes and he followed with a flag raising conversion to put the home side 7-0 up.

Munster drove on though and Tadhg Beirne did the work before Diarmuid Barron bundled over for a try. Jack Crowley missed the conversion but his kicking overall was reliable when Munster needed it most.

Munster believed in their process though and while Gavin Coombes, Shane Daly and Mike Haley looked to have touched down, all of the scores were ruled out for infringements. Undeterred they kept the pressure on and soon after Calvin Nash gathered a great kick from Crowley which was touched down and converted to give Munster a 12-7 advantage at the break.

The Stormers changed tack then and sensed they could lose it so after half-time their attention levels went to maximum. A second try for them, this time from Deon Fourie, put them back into the driving seat with Libbok’s conversion making it 14-12 after 50 minutes. 

Then the character of Munster really showed as they kept pushing and got their reward.  After a great build up John Hodnett finished with pace and style to give Munster the lead again.

Jack Crowley converted before being sin-binned but Munster showed grit and mettle, holding on to the lead until the clock ran out for the Stormers. To joyous scenes, Munster had turned the tables and secured a first massive title win in twelve years to run out 19-14 winners. 

The 8,000 plus or so Munster supporters in the 55,000 crowd were vocal and thrilled as the trophy was hoisted high into the South African sky. Once more, Munster are back. 

Munster: Mike Haley, Calvin Nash (Keith Earls 70), Antoine Frisch (Ben Healy 62), Malakai Fekitoa, Shane Daly, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray (Craig Casey 66), Jeremy Loughman (Josh Wycherley 62), Diarmuid Barron (Niall Scannell 62), Stephen Archer (Roman Salanoa 62), Jean Kleyn (Alex Kendellen 69), Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony (capt.) (RG Snyman 34), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.