Munster picked up a key victory over Saracens in the Champions Cup to put their European campaign back at Thomond Park.
It was an error-strewn start for Munster, a number of handling issues and ill-discipline at the breakdown resulting in them falling 6-0 behind.
The Saracens kicking game troubled Ian Costello's side in the backfield, but they eventually found some footing in the fixture with a welcome turnover through Gavin Coombes and Jack Crowley halved the deficit.
Crowley was involved again with a couple of grubber kicks on the counter-attack but he spilled possession when he looked destined to score a try for the ages.
Oh Jack Crowley, what a try this would have been pic.twitter.com/Coocl9DYwS
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) January 11, 2025
Eleven first-half handling errors to Saracens' five summed up the home side's woes, and it continued with an untimely fumble from Tom Farrell after the restart. Fineen Wycherley was then penalised as Elliott Daly restored Saracens' six-point advantage at 9-3.
Munster had to hang on defensively before they got the game's opening try, Dian Bleuler charging over from close range off the back of a signature Gavin Coombes drive.
60MIN: Munster 10-9 Saracens
Bleuler picks and dives over, converted by Crowley, a one-point game with 20 to play.
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📱 Live updates and stories on @RTESport Online and the @RTENews app #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/eVGFHJ8kuZ— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) January 11, 2025
The hosts clicked into gear, with some great work from Shane Daly from deep before adding their second try - Crowley finding Scannell who popped the ball to Hodnett who would not be stopped.
64MIN: Munster 17-9 Saracens
It's a one-point game for only 4-minutes. Munster leading by 8 thanks to a Hodnett try.
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📱 Live updates and stories on @RTESport Online and the @RTENews app #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/2PuGgAXTbS— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) January 11, 2025
Saracens cut the score to 17-12 but Thomond Park was drowned in jeers with the crowd feeling John Ryan was illegally hit in contact prior to the penalty.
There were nervy moments in the closing stages but Munster showed trademark grit to see out a much-needed win in Europe.
Simon Zebo threw dig at John Hodnett after Munster veat Saracens
Hodnett's impact proved transformative, with both tries coming after his introduction and the fleet-footed flanker showed serious wheels to get over for his score.
Simon Zebo was on punditry duty when he reflected on his former teammate's impact on the game, but the giddy Corkonian could not help fire a few digs at Hodnett as he reflected on his try.
When it was put to Zebo that Hodnett - who has been a huge success since coming through their academy - is not in the mould of the other, larger Irish back-rows, Zebo took his chance.
He's definitely not as tall! But he has a fantastic change of direction, these tiny little steps you don't know where he is going... he is very diffficult to defend in those wider channels.
"He is so robust with his carries. You think you have him but you really need to stick your tackles on him because his leg drive is sensational.
"To do one of the backs, inside and outside, and have the gas to go for the finish is incredible for John."
When it was put to Zebo that Hodnett might not like his 'tiny little steps' comment, he claimed: "I nearly mistook him for Craig Casey out there!".
Next, for Munster, it is a case of getting a win away to Northampton Saints to ensure a home draw in the last 16 of the competition - a tough ask.
