Munster scored seven tries to move to the top of the Guinness PRO12 with a bonus point 46-3 win over Benetton Treviso at Thomond Park. With Leinster losing 38-29 to Scarlets on Friday night, the five-point victory for Munster moves them a point ahead of their rivals and two ahead of Ospreys at the summit of the Guinness PRO12. Andrew Conway scored two tries in the first half after Robin Copeland had crossed following a dominant Munster scrum to push them into the lead. Second row Dan O’Shea, Ronan O’Mahony, two, and Alex Wootton added four second half tries. Thanks to the supporters that stood with us in a freezing @thomondstadium today! Much appreciated #MUNvBEN See you next time to Leicester! — Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 26, 2016 Ian McKinley had given the Italians an early lead with a seventh minute penalty after Treviso looked up for the battle during the first ten minutes before Tyler Bleyendaal pulled his side level after 14 minutes. As the Munster pack began to get on top, the home side had their first try through No.8 Copeland after a strong scrum from five metres. Man of the match Bleyendaal added the extras and created both the second and third try for his team as they took a commanding lead during the second half of the first period. First he chipped through for winger O’Mahony who got a boot onto the ball before Conway touched the ball down in the corner to extend the hosts’ lead to 15-3. Next, Bleyendaal hit a pinpoint cross-field kick from inside his own half, picking out O’Mahony brilliantly who burst away before giving Conway an easy run in under the posts. Bleyendaal’s second conversion moved Munster, who are unbeaten at Thomond Park since Christmas 2015, into a 22-3 lead they took into the break. The home side secured the try bonus point just two minutes into the second half as Bleyendaal popped to the ball off to a charging O’Shea who burst through for his first Munster try. The home side’s defence came under increased pressure but a quick counter attack saw the Munster grab their fifth try. Another driving maul got them close before the ball was spread to O’Mahony to cross. Replacement Wootton added the sixth after beating his man and touching down under the posts with Ian Keatley’s conversion making the score 41-3. A training ground move from Munster pack gave them their seventh try, and O’Mahony’s second, as Copeland went to the blindside from tail of the line out to create a two on one which the hosts converted. Guinness PRO12 Final 2017 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 adults and €5 child, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie. For further information visit http://www.pro12rugby.com/final
