Munster fail to fire in loss to Edinburgh at Musgrave Park

Ben Healy of Munster is tackled by Hamish Watson and Villame Mata of Edinburgh at Musgrave Park during last night's clash. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile
One big positive for Munster in that opening period was their defence; particularly at the breakdown with the likes of Liam O’Connor making some big turnovers. A great counter-ruck saw them win a penalty that Healy kicked to the corner. The initial maul was repelled and the ball was spread out. After numerous phases close to the line Tommy O’Donnell managed to squeeze over. Healy levelled the scores at 0-10 apiece as Munster started to build a rhythm but couldn’t add any further scores before half-time.

Replacement out-half Simon Hickey made it a three-point game with his first kick at the post for the visitors. Hamish Watson made a try-saving turnover for Edinburgh after a great surge by Arno Botha set-up a Munster attack. The Scots worked the ball down the field and having earned a penalty, Blair Kinghorn put through a cross-field kick that bounced up beautifully for Eroni Sau nudge Edinburgh into an 18-16 lead.
