Munster grind out tough win in Italy

Benetton Treviso 20 Munster 31

Munster ground out a professional victory in Italy today to keep their play-off hopes well on track.

Yet they struggled against a brave Treviso side in the opening half at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo – leading only 12-10 at the break – but moved up a gear in the second spell to earn a vital bonus point in front of 1,000 travelling fans.

Opposing centres Mike Mullins and Walter Pozzebon exchanged early tries before former Ireland international Simon Mason gave the home side a surprise 10-7 lead with a simple penalty goal.

It did not last long as skipper Jim Williams took a superb catch at the back of the line-out and hooker James Blaney was driven over.

Ronan O’Gara missed the conversion but the visitors held onto their advantage until the break.

Mullins continued to be a thorn in Treviso’s side and a stunning break after the restart should have resulted in Munster’s third try, but the ball went to ground – one of numerous Munster handling errors.

One of the main culprits, inside centre Rob Henderson, made amends with a good break deep into enemy territory as Treviso’s defence started to crack.

Their cause was not helped when referee Joel Dume sent centre Manuel Dallan to the sin-bin for a professional foul.

Munster made their one-man advantage count with another drive over the tryline from a lineout. This time it was Williams who emerged from the pile of bodies with the ball.

The Irishmen scored a vital bonus-point try within minutes, with back row and man of the match Anthony Foley celebrating his 57th Cup appearance with the five-pointer that puts Munster in the box seat in Pool Five.

The home side replied with a Franco Smith dropped goal, but yet another Mullins break set up replacement full-back Jeremy Staunton for Munster’s fifth try.

Treviso were brave throughout and were rewarded in the final minute with a try to Scott Palmer.