Scarlets 25
Munster 25
IT’S OFTEN SAID a draw satisfies nobody but Munster will come away from the Parc y Scarlets hugely satisfied after snatching an extra point thanks to a comeback that embodied their resolve and tenacity.
After Felix Jones crossed the line in the corner with just four minutes left on the clock, the deficit was cut to seven points and after several phases inside the Scarlets 22, the pressure eventually told as JJ Hanrahan touched down under the posts before Ian Keatley converted.
The hosts, who have not lost at home in the Guinness Pro12 since December 2013, will rue a missed opportunity to boost their own European hopes after manufacturing a healthy lead heading into the final quarter.
After Steven Shingler was faultless from the tee in the first-half, Munster found a route back into the game through substitute Jack O’Donoghue shortly after the interval.
But, the complexion of the game changed again when Keatley’s kick was charged down by Hadleigh Parkes and the Scarlets winger won the foot race to score under the posts shortly after Shingler had slotted over his sixth penalty.
Just as it seemed as if Munster had no answers, George Earle was shown a yellow card for a succession of infringements around the breakdown and the next passage of play saw Jones give the visitors a glimmer of hope.
The numerical advantage told in the dying embers as Munster were patient and recycled possession before throwing the ball out to their backs, where Hanrahan was given the simple task of running in unmarked.
That Munster would come away with a draw seemed unlikely during a frustrating first period for the Irish province.
Anthony Foley’s side had the opportunity to leapfrog Glasgow and move top of the standings with a win in Wales but their indiscipline in conceding penalty after penalty cost them.
Shingler and Keatley exchanged penalties before the Welsh side opened up a lead as Donncha O’Callaghan and then Tommy O’Donnell were penalised by referee Dudley Phillips.
Munster’s frustration spiralled when Duncan Williams was shown a yellow card for stamping on Harry Robinson but despite playing with 14 for the first eight minutes of the second-half, Munster came out of the blocks re-energised.
O’Donoghue’s try put them into the lead for the first time and although they couldn’t hold onto that lead, a late rally means they head home satisfied.
The draw isn’t enough to supplant Glasgow at the summit but they’re level with second-placed Ulster and a point ahead of Leinster.
Scarlets scorers:Tries: Hadleigh ParkesConversions: Steven ShinglerPenalties: Steven Shingler (6)Munster scorers:
Tries: James O’Donoghue, Felix Jones, JJ Hanrahan
Conversions: Ian Keatley (2)
Penalties: Ian Keatley (2)
Scarlets: Jordan Williams, Harry Robinson, Regan King, Hadleigh Parkes, Michael Tagicakibau, Steven Shingler, Aled Davies, Phil John, Ken Owens (Capt), Peter Edwards, Lewis Rawlins, Johan Snyman, Aaron Shingler, James Davies, John Barclay.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rob Evans, Jacobie Adriaanse, George Earle, Rob McCusker, Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland, Adam Warren.
Munster: Felix Jones; Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Denis Hurley – capt., Luke O’Dea; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Kevin O’Byrne, Stephen Archer; Donncha O’Callaghan, Billy Holland; Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell, CJ Stander.
Replacements: Eusebio Guinazu, John Ryan, BJ Botha, Jack O’Donoghue, Paddy Butler, Neil Cronin, JJ Hanrahan, Ivan Dineen.
Referee: Dudley Phillips.
