Francis Saili settles nerves as Munster’s knock-out blow arrives late

Munster 27 Edinburgh 19: Munster left it late to land the killer blow but there will be few quibbles from the province’s supporters after this bonus-point Guinness Pro12 victory over European qualification rivals Edinburgh.

A 77th minute try from Francis Saili tipped the balance in Munster’s favour after the Scottish visitors had kept Anthony Foley’s side scoreless for 44 frustrating minutes, narrowing a 20-13 halftime home lead to single point during a second half at Musgrave Park that had a sell-out 8,200 crowd nervously watching their team struggle to make an impression.

First-half tries from Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway had set Munster on their way but it took Saili’s late score to settle it after Jason Tovey’s boot and a 19th minute try had kept Edinburgh in the hunt.