Munster extended their unbeaten run against Connacht to 26 at Thomond Park thanks to Ronan O’Gara and Christian Cullen. The victory also saw the European Champions leap up two places in the Magners League to eighth.

Munster mastered persistently terrible conditions at Thomond Park in overcoming west-coast rivals Connacht.

The victory had its foundations in two first-half penalties from Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara. But Munster also profited as Connacht failed to turn possession and territory into points.

Connacht, aided by the wind, had the better of the early exchanges. But their defence had to be sharp to repel Christian Cullen’s hunt for his first try since April. Munster also attacked through the forwards but this too yielded no tries.

The first 15 minutes of the second half were spent in Munster’s half. But like the first period Connacht could not score and when O’Gara missed a 25-metre sitter it looked as if his previous successes would be the only points.

In the 73rd minute, however, O’Gara sent Trevor Halstead through the Connacht defence with a lovely delayed pass.Lifeimi Mafi was in support and Cullen finished the move to cap his comeback and seal the win.