PRO 14 Highlights: Connacht Rugby Vs Munster Rugby

Munster survived a late onslaught to hold on for a 16-10 win over Connacht in a top of Conference B clash. Connacht missed an early opportunity to put points on the board, as their penalty attempt just three minutes in went wide. Connacht then picked up a yellow card 10 minutes in as Shane Delahunt was sent to the sin bin for collapsing a powerful Munster maul, with JJ Hanrahan kicking the resulting penalty to make it 3-0. Around the midpoint of the first half, Munster crossed for the opening try, with Chris Farrell powering his way over to extend the lead to 10-0. Connacht would have to wait until the final play of the first half to get on the board, with Jack Carty kicking a penalty to see them trail 3-10 at the break. Hanrahan slotted an early second half penalty to see Munster restore their ten point advantage at 13-3. Munster added another three points off the boot of Hanrahan to push their lead out to 16-3 with a little under 20 minutes remaining. Munster remained in control of the match, keeping Connacht out with some aggressive defence. Repeated offences saw Munster receive a yellow card with just three minutes to play, with Connacht capitalising immediately on their numerical advantage to put it through the hands slickly to send Peter Sullivan over for a try in the corner. Munster restarted inside the final minute, but Connacht were able to work their way downfield thanks to a penalty and some quick hands saw them race into the 22, with a cross kick gathered by Ultan Dillane who charged to just a few metres out from the line. Munster infringed at the breakdown which saw them reduced to 13 players after another yellow card, with Connacht electing for a scrum 5m out. Connacht piled on the pressure, keeping it tight just short of the line, but the Munter defence held firm and a knock on was forced to bring an end to a tense final few minutes. The win sees Munster open up an 11 point gap top of the conference.