Munster returned to the top of the Guinness PRO12 table after a last-gasp David Kilcoyne try gave the Irish outfit victory over Ospreys. Kilcoyne crossed with just three minutes left on the clock, Tyler Bleyendaal adding the extras, as the sides played out a riveting clash at the Liberty Stadium. The Munstermen returned to the Guinness PRO12 summit after the win, moving ahead of Leinster following the latter’s 39-10 win over Edinburgh on Friday night. At the Liberty, it was the away side broke the deadlock through Bleyendaal’s penalty after three minutes, before the Welsh side roared into life. Hanno Dirksen immediately reversed proceedings with a terrific cross in the corner with fly-half Sam Davies converting. All over!!! Yes we win 25-23!!! #OSPvMUN — Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 18, 2017 And Kieron Fonotia scored his fourth try in 11 matches when he crashed over minutes later, Davies adding the extras once again as the hosts seized control. It could have been even worse for Munster, but Ashley Beck’s try was ruled out for a forward pass in the build-up. Davies slotted over another three points as Ospreys threatened to pull away at 17-3, but Bleyendaal bagged three points back for the visitors. And Jack O’Donoghue crashed over four minutes before the interval to pull Munster back to within one score. In a frenetic end to the first half, there was still time for the impressive Davies to add his third penalty for the hosts, and the visitors to grab another try through centre Francis Saili, Bleyendaal converting, leaving the score 20-18 at the interval. The second half started at a more measured pace, with neither side troubling the score sheet until the 60th minute through Davies’s penalty. However, the home side may have extended their lead in the 47th minute, but Beck was again on the wrong end of the video referee, who adjudged the centre was barged into touch before he grounded the ball. Munster had a try ruled out themselves in the 63rd minute when Bleyendaal sniped and dived for the line, but the TMO ruled he was just short. The visitors had a sustained period of pressure as they looked to counter Davies’s kick, but a resolute Ospreys defence held firm. The result sees Munster move three points clear on 59, with Leinster on 56 and Ospreys in third on 55. Scarlets occupy fourth place with 49, having swept aside Zebre 49-7 on Friday. Guinness PRO12 Final 2017, 27th May, Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Ticket Information: Fans can still avail of an exclusive number of €30 tickets. Book via www.ticketmaster.ie. Further information: www.pro12rugby.com/final
