Munster maul 14-man Wasps

In response, Wasps notched tries from Alfie Barbeary and Michael Le Bourgeois, but the 25th minute sending off of captain Brad Shields – while trailing 3-0 – was ultimately an unsurmountable challenge for the English side

Munster took the lead after seven minute, Wasps committing an offside penalty inside their own 22, dispatched by Joey Carbery for the Irish province.

With 25 minutes played, the pivotal moment of the contest occurred. Wasps captain Brad Shields was adjudged to have committed a high tackle – referee Romain Poite showing the red card as two-time European Cup winners were reduced to 14-men.

Carbery added a further three points moments later, but it was the underhanded Englishmen that notched the first try of the afternoon– Alfie Barbeary the finisher of a flowing Wasps move.

Munster responded prior to the break with a try of their own. Earls latched on to a Conor Murray chip, dotting down the bouncing ball.

On the brink of half time Wasps were reduced to 13-men, Dan Frost sent to the sin bin for going off his feet at the breakdown.

Munster took full advantage of the two-man difference in the opening salvos of the second period, full-back Campbell scoring within 120 seconds of the re-start for a try on debut.

Five minutes later a Wasps handling error opened the door for Munster to add a third try – Conway reacting to the loose ball, cruising to the whitewash unabated.

The bonus point try came with 55 minutes played, hooker Buckley cleverly finishing a well-worked lineout – another debut try for a Munster player.

Despite the deficit – both in points and in men – Wasps responded just after the hour mark with a try of their own. Michael Le Bourgeois the scorer with an opportunist scamper through the Munster line.

Wasps now face the unenviable task of a trip to Toulouse to take on the defending European champions Stade Toulousain next Sunday, while Munster host Castres Olympique in round two.

via www.epcrugby.com