Magners League: O'Gara plays decisive role as Munster clip Ospreys' wings
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Munster gained sweet revenge over the reigning Magners League champions Ospreys with a 22-10 victory at Thomond Park on Saturday. The Welsh region did the double over the Irish province last season but there was to be no repeat performance this time around. The veteran Irish international Ronan O'Gara set the tone with his boot, kicking the sole penalty of a disappointing first half then weighing in with 14 points in a much more productive second period.
The Ospreys outscored Munster on try count with Tommy Bowe scoring early in the second half and Richard Fussell crossing late on but O'Gara's boot proved as deadly as ever with four penalties – two of them while Ospreys flanker Marty Holah was in the sin bin for repeated rucking offences – and a superb conversion of captain Doug Howlett's try.
The Munster coach Tony McGahan said: "It's really important that we progress each week and we're happy with where we are after three games in the Magners League."
His counterpart at Ospreys, Sean Holley, said: "We were ill-disciplined, and we've seen a performance that isn't what we expect from an Ospreys team so I'm very disappointed."
Over in Italy, league newcomers Treviso recorded a historic first-ever victory over Irish opposition as they overcame last season's runners-up Leinster 29-13. After beating Scarlets earlier this month, Franco Smith's side again impressed as Luke McLean and Brendan Williams both went over. Tobie Botes kicked 13 points and Chris Burton added two drop-goals to help extend the Italian side's unbeaten home run to six matches.
The visitors matched their hosts in a tight first-half, but a combination of tough Treviso tackling – emphasised by Manoa Vosawai's powerful hit on Leinster's Rhys Ruddock – and missed penalties by Leinster's Isa Nacewa and Fergus McFadden helped the Italian side home.
Cardiff Blues earned a bonus point as they beat Newport Gwent Dragons 43-21 at Cardiff City Stadium. Try of the match came via a slick move from Ceri Sweeney, who was twice involved, which ended with Leigh Halfpenny finishing under the posts. Ben Blair kicked 23 points.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments