After all the excitement of the Autumn Internationals, attention turned firmly back toward the provinces this evening. With Munster welcoming Edinburgh to Cork tonight, a Keith Earls hat-trick topped off a rampant first-half performance for the Irish side.
Sensational Keith Earls! Scores hat-trick of tries inside 8 minutes. Six tries in all for Munster. Home side lead Edinburgh 34-7 after 39 mins at MusgravePark #LLSport #EDIVMUN @Limerick_Leader
— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) November 30, 2018
Racing into an early lead, Munster had 19-points on the board before Edinburgh managed to lay a glove on them.
Over the course of 8-minutes at the tail-end of the half, Keith Earls ran in his three tries. Making a great night even better for Munster, the final of these three demonstrated the best of what the province had to offer going forward.
Starting deep in their own half with Andrew Conway on the ball, the Ireland man made his run before a smart offload to Mike Haley. Keeping things ticking over a ferocious pace, Conor Murray passed it out to the left where it eventually found Earls.
Needless to say, you know what he did next.
38: TRY @Munsterrugby!
Hat-trick for Keith Earls. Sensational attacking display from the Munster men 🏉🏉🏉 #GuinnessPRO14 #MUNvEDI pic.twitter.com/YLHP5cOBfM— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 30, 2018
Leading 34-7 at the break, it had been some first-half for Earls & co.
Into the second, and Munster would take the pedal off somewhat. Nevertheless, a 44-14 win demonstrated just how prolific and in control they were on the night.
For a look at the game's highlights, you can watch the link below.
Chris Farrell 🏉🏉
Andrew Conway 🏉🏉
Keith Earls 🏉🏉🏉
Tyler Bleyendaal 🏉
Watch all the action as Munster cruised to victory over Edinburgh at Irish Independent Park. #GuinnessPRO14 #MUNvEDI pic.twitter.com/zFsj2x6knu— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 30, 2018
Speaking after the match, Chris Farrell and Conor Murray both shared their delight after returning from long injuries to the starting XV.
"I just feel fantastic to be out here"
Chris Farrell & Conor Murray spoke after their side's emphatic win at Irish Independent Park. #GuinnessPRO14 #MUNvEDI pic.twitter.com/eTLXbH6cCx— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 30, 2018
