The fit again fly half prepared for the Lions tour with a superb performance kicking twelve points and scoring one of his side’s three tries. Munster were in control in the first quarter with first Anthony Horgan and then O’Gara crossing but The Scarlets were determined to fight back, Mike PhillipsCrossing after 30 minutes before fly-half Ceiron Thomas sent over two penalties early in the second period The 21-year-old’s fourth successful kick reduced the deficit to only four points before Mike Mullins sealed it for the Irish with a late score under the posts which O’Gara again converted. Aided by the wind in the first half Horgan had scored after only five minutes when Mullins broke free and quick recycled ball lead to the wing was scorching into the left hand corner. Although Thomas knocked over a 30-metre penalty Munster were soon 14-3 in front when David Wallace got close to the line before O’Gara darted over. However the Scarlets were soon back in contention when, after Aisea Havili was held up short, Phillips was on hand to beat Stringer from the resultant ruck. O’Gara reasserted the Munster lead with a drop goal and penalty before the break and although The Scarlets had the lion’s share of second half possession they only had two Thomas penalties to show for their endeavours before Mullins decisive late try.
