Munster put in a performance to write themselves in the history books as they defeated South Africa XV 28-14 at a historic night in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.
Tries from Shane Daly, Simon Zebo, Diarmuid Barron and Mike Haley secured a famous win for Munster in front of an electric crowd in Cork. In a night where Munster had to dig deep with big defensive moments from their pack in the second half to keep South Africa at bay.
Night's like this don't come around often for
On a night that won't be forgotten anytime soon, here is the player ratings.
Mike Haley-8
Scored Munster’s fourth try, Haley looked solid for 80 minutes, particularly under the high ball. Almost spilled the ball to South Africa which would have let to a certain try, but otherwise another solid display from the full-back.
Shane Daly-8
Made history by becoming the first player to score a try in Pairc Uí Chaoimh. Daly looked dangerous every time he ran at South Africa’s defence and was a constant threat all evening. Looked solid defensively in all brilliant all round performance.
Antoine Frisch- 7
Made a brilliant offload for the first try as he came alive in his first start for Munster. His pace and clever passes caused South Africa problems all through the game as he showed he is a real talent to have in the Munster side.
Rory Scannell-7
Combined well with Haley for Zebo’s try. Caused South Africa problems with his work with Frisch through the game as he made some great passses.
Simon Zebo-8
Looked sharp on his return from injury as he scored Munster’s second try. Almost had one five minutes earlier but couldn’t get his hands on Healy’s kick. Will be disappointed for South Africa's first try but a welcome return for Zebo and Munster.
Ben Healy-9
Due to the performances and high praise of his teammate Jack Crowley, Ben Healy was under pressure coming into tonight’s game, but he more than delivered in his best performance for Munster. Not only was he accurate from the kicking tee, ut he showed a level of creativity that had been previously missing from his game. Could be a career changing performance from the out half.
Paddy Patterson-9
Was Munster’s best player alongside Healy at half-back.Provided a quick tempo to Munster’s attack and gave Healy a good platform to work from and get the impressive Munster backline going. Would have been disappointed not to score a try just before half-time. Made a brilliant chase to keep the ball alive for the fourth try.
Josh Wycherley-7
Looked solid in the loose and made a number of tackles. The front row struggled early in the first half against a hugely powerful South Africa scrum.
Diarmuid Barron-8
Scored Munster’s third try from a powerful maul as Barron’s throwing was excellent as Munster line-out set them up for a number of attacks through the game.
Roman Salanoa- 7
Munster struggled with some of the early scrums as Salanoa was targeted by South Africa. However, the prop recovered well and put in a solid performance, with some great passing from the prop.
Edwin Edogbo-8
It is easy to see why Edogbo is so highly rated by Munster. At the age of 19, he has shown huge potential and put in another big display tonight in Cork. He didn’t give South Africa a moment’s peace in the ruck and was a huge weapon in the line out for Graham Rowntree’s side.
Kiran McDonald-7
McDonald looks to have been a clever signing from Munster as he was key to their success in the line out. Never gave South Africa a moment's peace at the line out defensively which was key to victory for Munster
Jack O’Donoghue-7
The Munster captain on a historic night, O’Donoghue delivered a great performance. He lead his side with pride as his carries and work at the breakdown were crucial for Munster against a hugely physical South Africa
John Hodnett-8
Another young player who stood up for Munster was Hodnett, who stepped up with some big carries and work at the breakdown. The flanker was always causing trouble for South Africa with his work rate as he tackled all night long.
Gavin Coombes- 7
Coombes delivered some big carries and great work at the breakdown as South Africa struggled to combat his carries as he went broke the gain line through the 80 minutes to get Munster up the pitch. Questions were asked after his performance against New Zealand XV, but he delivered.
Replacements
Niall Scannell-6
Kept the line-out to a high standard at important times in the game as Munster were under huge pressure defensively when he came on.
Liam O’Connor-5
Received a yellow card when Munster were under huge pressure in the second half, but recovered well as Munster took control of the set piece late in the second half.
Keynan Knox-6
Knox was key for Munster as his energy helped Munster under huge pressure defensively at the scrum and the breakdown.
Cian Hurley-6
Became an option for Munster at the line out and showed a lot of injury
Alex Kendellen-6
Made some huge carries and tackles to help Munster defensively when he came on in the 57th minute.
Neil Cronin-N/A
Controlled the game well in the final moments when
Patrick Campbell-7
The young winger made a brilliant try saving tackle just moments after coming on to a pitch he has had success before in his Cork football days. Always looked to make something happen.
Malakai Fekitoa-6
His experience was key to bring on in the second half. Munster were under huge pressure and needed an experienced player in the back-line in the final stages.
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