Paul O'Connell helped Munster to a 23-point win in Musgrave Park. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Munster 50

Newport Gwent Dragons 27

MUNSTER RAN IN four tries in the first 23 minutes against the Dragons to clinch a home semi-final in the Guinness Pro12.

Man of the match Conor Murray scored a hat-trick as Anthony Foley’s side romped to an eight-try win in Musgrave Park.

It sets up a humdinger of a semi-final against third-placed Ospreys next Saturday, 23 May.

Murray finished with a hat-trick and man of the match honours. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Tries from Andrew Smith, CJ Stander and two from Murray gave Munster an early 28-10 lead.

And Paul O’Connell crossed on the stroke of half-time to leave the second half as little more than a foregone conclusion.

Keith Earls added a sixth moments after the restart before Murray wrapped up his hat-trick on 64 minutes and sub Ronan O’Mahony completed the rout late on.

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