First-half tries from Jean Kleyn and Darren Sweetnam was enough for Munster Rugby as they battled past a gutsy Ospreys to stay top of Conference A and make it three Guinness PRO14 wins in a row. The scores cancelled out James Hook’s early try for the hosts as the sides battled tricky conditions in south Wales. The Irish outfit had registered two bonus point victories from two going into the clash at the Liberty Stadium, and struck the first blow when Tyler Bleyendaal slotted home a penalty on nine minutes, having missed two earlier kicks. However, Hook charged over from the 22 as Ospreys replied immediately, Sam Davies, who kicked impressively all afternoon, making no mistake with the extras. But back came Munster, and South Africa lock Kleyn crashed over for his third try in three games, Bleyendaal adding the two as the visitors opened up a 10-7 advantage. The ball was in the air for much of the half as both sides searched for a way to trouble the opposition defences. And it was the visitors who secured the crucial score, and stretched their advantage further four minutes before half-time. Wing Sweetnam crossed the whitewash after smart link up play between Chris Farrell and Sean O’Connor. Ospreys rallied and moved with a score of the visitors at the start of the second half, Davies landing a monster kick from distance after Munster were penalised for offside. However, this was short-lived, as Tyler returned the favour moments later after prop Ma’afu Fia was brought back for trying to halt a Munster attack. Steve Tandy shuffled his back and brought on Guy Mercer and Adam Beard for Dan Lydiate and Lloyd Ashley, while John Ryan took to the turf for his 100th Munster appearance, coming on for Stephen Archer. Davies kicked a second penalty of the afternoon as the hosts stayed in touch, and he added a third on 63 minutes from near the half-way line as Ospreys chipped the deficit down to just two points. The Welsh side hammered away at the Munster defence, but the visitors stood tall and kept the hosts at bay. And Bleyendaal slotted over another penalty four minutes from time to give Munster breathing space. Despite Ospreys enjoying late possession, Keelan Giles was forced into touch as Munster made it three victories from three and emerge as the team to beat in Conference A. Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
