In one of the most clever pieces of play you will see, Munster and Ireland second row Tadhg Beirne was thanked by the referee for some quick thinking.
In an exciting game in France, Munster can take a number of positives away from their 20-16 defeat to Toulouse, with some excellent play across the 80 minutes from Graham Rowntree's side.
Despite going 11-0 down early in the first half to the 2021 Champions Cup champions, Munster regrouped and could have claimed a huge scalp on another day.
One of the best moments that will be replayed for years to come is when Tadhg Beirne finished off an incredible team try for Munster, that showed their attacking play that has developed under Graham Rowntree.
Munster are putting on a show 🍿
Tadhg Beirne rounds off an attack from the Irish side, which was started by some great hands.#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/ustxV0D6JI— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 22, 2023
After today's result, Munster will be away to one of Cell C Sharks, Edinburgh and Saracens. Their opposition in the last 16 after Edinburgh V Saracens is completed this evening.
Tadhg Beirne Thanked By Refere For Genius Piece Of Play
If there is anyone you could put money on to steal the ball at a ruck, it's Tadhg Beirne.
For both Ireland and Munster, his work has become crucial, as he gives opposition forwards nightmare with his positioning at the breakdown.
With Toulouse looking to take advantage of their one man advantage with Ben Healy yellow carded, they were approaching the Munster 22, with the Munster second row looking to take advantage.
Okay, that's a pretty genius way to avoid giving a penalty from Tadhg Beirne. Ref even thanked him😄.#TOUvMUN pic.twitter.com/rC5fK0IyJf
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) January 22, 2023
However, once the referee told Munster it was a tackle and not a maul, Tadhg Beirne found himself on the wrong side, which would have given away a penalty.
Knowing this, with Munster under pressure in the final minutes, Beirne left the ball on the Toulouse side, which the referee appreciated as the play went on.
At a time that Toulouse were on top and showed physical domination throughout, the losing bonus point could be crucial.
SEE ALSO: Watch: Eben Etzebeth Shows Incredible Knowledge At Ruck To Score Try
