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Dave Kilcoyne scored the only try of what was a comprehensive win for Munster. Dan Sheridan/INPHO
pack power

Aggressive Munster outmuscle Saracens in Thomond Park dogfight

It was tight for long periods but once again Munster’s forward power proved the difference.

Munster 14

Saracens 3

AFTER LAST WEEK’S win over Sale, most people were saying ‘new competition, same Munster’ and after tonight’s dominating performance that may well become the mantra for the province’s inaugural Heineken Cup campaign.

Munster’s rucking was ferocious once more, and their back row of Peter O’Mahony, Tommy O’Donnell and CJ Stander were once again tigerish at every breakdown, and able to use their excellent counter-rucking to poach a lot of Saracens ball.

Saracens’ Thomond park hoodoo continued and there were signs of nerves from the Londoners, with Owen Farrell shanking a relatively simple penalty and Alex Goode getting the ball caught between his legs before knocking it into touch.

There was little between the sides for the first hour and both teams only had a solitary penalty each at the end of the first 40. It wasn’t an open game that would excite casual fans, but the contest up front was engaging, if not enthralling.

The closest Munster came to a telling score in the first half was after an Ian Keatley penalty struck the upright, with the bouncing ball being collected by Andrew Conway. The wing was descending through the air on the way to the line but Saracens second row George Kruis was able to dislodge the ball before he could touch down.

The second half saw Munster get a greater foothold in the game and after Saracens’ Rhys Gill was yellow-carded for a tip tackle on Stander at a ruck, the home side kicked on.

First, Keatley slotted a penalty and after Andrew Conway had a try harshly ruled out by the TMO, substitute Dave Kilcoyne drove over from the back of a maul.

Chris Ashton almost conjured a sublime try but his grubber kick bounce unkindly into touch for the wing.

Keatley had a mixed night for Munster, controlling the game well but missing three penalties and a conversion.

The home side were well worth their win and they could have added another try but instead had to be content with a Keatley drop goal as they denied the visitors even a losing bonus point.

LIVE: Munster v Saracens, Champions Cup

Ben Te’o will make his Leinster debut for the A team this weekend

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