Leinster have beaten Munster for the fifth time in six games. Leo Cullen’s side withstood a second-half fightback from the Reds to leave Thomond Park with bonus-point 34-24 victory.
Leinster had been 27-5 up at the interval after a first-half blitz with tries from Robbie Henshsaw, Dan Leavy and a penalty try while scrum-half Conor Murray grabbed Munster’s try.
The hosts reduced the deficit to eight points with tries from Ian Keatley and Andrew Conway but an individual try from Leinster full-back Jordan Larmour sealed a try scoring bonus-point and the victory.
Conway’s second try late on ensured Munster got a try scoring bonus themselves. Leinster retained just three players – Devin Toner, Jack Conan and Robbie Henshaw – from their recent win over Exeter in the Champions Cup.
Munster saw Ireland internationals Keith Earls and Tommy O’Donnell return for their first starts since late October. Head-coach Johann van Graan also brought in Rhys Marshall and Andrew Conway.
