Munster 42 Ulster 6MUNSTER KEPT the Magners League leaders, Leinster, in their sights with a six-try bonus-point romp against Ulster at Musgrave Park on Saturday night.
The result moved Munster to third in the table, a point behind the Llanelli Scarlets and 11 adrift of Leinster with a game in hand, ironically enough, against Ulster next month.
More significantly, coach Declan Kidney was able to breathe a sigh of relief after all 22 players came through unscathed ahead of the Heineken European Cup quarter-final against Gloucester the weekend after next.
Denis Leamy and David Wallace are expected to recover from injury. Ian Dowling withdrew from the panel because of illness but should be available for the Connacht game on Friday. There are, however, concerns about Rua Tipoki's back and he is considered the main worry at this stage
Munster supplied six different try scorers and all five-pointers were converted, four by outhalf Ronan O'Gara and two by his late replacement, Paul Warwick.
Despite the scoreline Ulster contributed handsomely to a cracking contest played at a high pace and containing plenty of adventure and ambition from both sides.
The visitors, however, had obvious problems in the lineout, and shoddy defence around the fringe of the maul in particular also contributed to their downfall.
Munster were flattered by their 14-6 interval lead, following tries by Tony Buckley after eight minutes and Mick O'Driscoll six minutes from the break.
Ulster had enjoyed more possession and territory, but had only a couple of Niall O'Connor penalties to show for their efforts.
The visitors gifted Munster a third try four minutes into the second half. Rory Best's throw to a lineout close to the try-line missed its intended target and man-of-the-match Niall Ronan reacted quickest to send O'Gara in at the posts for a soft score.
Despite falling 21-6 in arrears Ulster remained positive and strong carries by Rory Best and Stephen Ferris brought play to the Munster line, but a lack of composure prompted a turnover and with it went Ulster's last chance.
O'Gara sent O'Leary, now on the wing, having impressed at scrumhalf, in for the bonus-point try after 65 minutes.
Ulster prop Tom Court was sent to the sinbin for a dangerous challenge on Lifeimi Mafi before Munster finished with a flourish.
Substitute James Coughlan took Peter Stringer's pass to score try number five and Doug Howlett went over near the end after Alan Quinlan's off-load, the former All Black's first try since signing.
MUNSTER:D Hurley; B Carney, K Lewis, L Mafi, D Howlett; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, T Buckley; M O'Driscoll, P O'Connell (capt); A Quinlan, N Ronan, A Foley. Replacements:P Stringer for Carney, D O'Callaghan for O'Driscoll (both 60 mins), D Ryan for Lewis, F Sheahan for Flannery, J Hayes for Horan (all 67 mins), J Coughlan for Foley, P Warwick for O'Gara (both 71 mins).
ULSTER:B Cunningham; T Bowe, A Trimble, P Wallace, M Bartholomeusz; N O'Connor, P Marshall; J Fitzpatrick, R Best (capt), T Court; R Caldwell, J Harrison; N Best, D Pollock, S Ferris. Replacements:M McCullough for Pollock (48 mins), I Boss for Marshall (50 mins), B Young for Fitzpatrick and R Wilson for N Best (62 mins), N Brady for R Best (73 mins), R Dewey for O'Connor (74 mins), M McCrea for Bartholomeusz (79 mins).
Referee: A Rolland(IRFU).
