Bok bonus boosts Munster

JEAN de VILLIERS silenced his critics for the second time in six days when crashing over in the last minute to score Munster’s bonus- point try in their 35-3 Magners League victory over Connacht at Thomond Park on Saturday night, a win that puts them within touching distance of the leaders going into the new year.

The big Springbok centre had earlier punched the holes for the third try by Paul Warwick and generally performed with a style and vigour that indicated he has settled into the Munster way.

Despite Ronan O’Gara and Denis Hurley being the only starting members of the side that demolished Perpignan the previous weekend, Munster quickly clicked into their pattern with several youngsters like Felix Jones, Tom Gleeson, Damien Varley and Billy Holland among those keen to make a statement to coach Tony McGahan.