Munster Head Coach Graham Rowntree praised the players who returned to the Munster side as they claimed a much needed bonus point 31-17 victory over the Bulls.
After three loses in their first four games, huge pressure was on Munster ahead of tonight’s game, with basic errors costing them, and their players and coaches questioned.
However, on a night when players such as Shane Daly and Jack Crowley impressed after their return with Emerging Ireland, and Edwin Edogbo was vital in his first start for Munster, everything clicked for them tonight.
READ HERE: A Forlorn Looking Graham Rowntree Blames Munster "Ill-Discipline" In Loss To Connacht
Speaking to TG4, Graham Rowntree said the message was simple after a difficult week for the province.
@Munsterrugby - 31
Vodacom Bulls - 17
Príomhchóitseálaí na Mumha Graham Rowntree
Munster Head Coach Graham Rowntree gives his post game thoughts after a great performance from his team@IrishRugby @URCOfficial#URC #Rugby pic.twitter.com/rvpLX2HRC2— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 15, 2022
“It’s not been an easy week, but I asked the guys to be tight and keep the belief following last week’s performance, and the guys coming in from the Emerging Ireland tour added a different energy to the group.
They loved that tour, it’s been great for them.
All of that put together was put out there tonight in not easy conditions against a proper physical team provides us a springboard to move on.”
In their first game at Thomond Park this season, it was a must win fixture for Munster after three defeats in their first four games.
In a tight and hugely physical first half, penalties from Johan Goosen and Joey Carbery couldn’t separate the sides until Gavin Coombes 28th minute try.
35 nóim #MUNvBUL@Munsterrugby - 17
Vodacom Bulls - 3
Úsaideann Gavin Coombes a chuid láidreacht chun an dara h-úd a aimsiú.
Munster keeps the momentum going as Gavin Coombes scores his second of the night@IrishRugby @URCOfficial#URC #Rugby pic.twitter.com/HLu91l9whB— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 15, 2022
The Munster number eight didn’t stop there, and had his second try from close range seven minutes later, as Graham Rowntree’s side went into the interval with a 17-3 lead.
An awkward bounce from Carbery’s kick led to Jeremy Loughman going over for Munster’s third, with the Bulls finally going over the try line through WJ Steenkamp in the corner.
42 nóim #MUNvBUL@Munsterrugby - 24
Vodacom Bulls - 3
Léimeann Jeremy Loughman ar an liahtróid chun úd eile a fháil.
Jeremy Loughman capitalises on the Bulls mistake and extends Munster's lead.@IrishRugby @URCOfficial#URC #Rugby pic.twitter.com/w9Ge4aBBDF— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 15, 2022
In another brilliant display by the second row, Tadhg Bernie topped it off with Munster’s fourth try after a number of phases to seal the bonus point.
The Bulls hit back through David Kriel, but some heroic Munster defense prevented a losing bonus point for the South African side as Munster earned a must needed win, with a trip to the Aviva Stadium awaiting them next weekend.
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