Munster 17 Connacht 15
Munster once again retained their perfect start to the URC in a scrappy, physical battle in Thomond Park against Connacht. With both sides missing several players who were called up to the Ireland squad, it was an overall messy performance from both sides. It resulted in Munster snatching victory from Connacht’s grasp in the last quarter.
The intensity was clear to see from the off, with possession going back and forth between the teams but with no scores in return. Connacht were forced into an early change for Finn Tracey after a heavy collision, but there was still no score for either side 10 minutes in.
Munster captain Jack O’Donoghue broke the deadlock with a try in the 14th minute after some great team build-up play. The score remained 5-0, after Hanrahan missed the conversion. Shortly after, due to a Head Injury Assessment, Thaakir Abrahams was replaced by Shay McCarthy.
Both sides were quite evenly matched, with physicality at a high level and a good amount of kick tennis. However, that lead did not last long for the home side as Connacht came back firing with a try from winger Byron Ralston to make it all square.
The match had a bit of edge to it, like all good inter-pro derbies tend to have. Munster scrum-half Ethan Coughlan was getting involved, with some scuffles off the ball but nothing warranting discipline from the referee.
Munster were under serious pressure on their line, and Shay McCarthy was nearly in for an intercept try, much like Coughlan’s last week. It was pulled back for a penalty for offside. Connacht opted for the tap and go. After a few attempts from the forwards, the ball came to out-half Ioane who got a slick pass off to Ralston. The latter went over for his second try of the night to make it 5-10 at the 27th minute mark.
Out of nowhere really when Munster were on the backfoot, Diarmuid Kilgallen was in for an intercept try under the posts. Hanrahan made the conversion on his second time of asking. It could have been coincidence, but the several attempts by Munster for intercepts in recent games has been quite successful for them and could be direction from the new coaching ticket.
After a lengthy TMO check on the opposite end of the field, referee Andrea Piardi awarded a try for Connacht just before half time. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but Connacht went in ahead, 12-15 at half time.
Two minutes into the second half and there was a lengthy stoppage to deal with a serious injury to Ralston, who was stretchered off the pitch. It was an otherwise scrappy start to the second half for both teams, with still no score at the 51st minute mark.
There were changes to both sides in an effort to energise the game. Academy scrum-half Jake O’Riordan came on in the last quarter of the game to make his senior debut for Munster.
After a seriously messy period of the game, Munster eventually went over for the first score in the second half. Jack O’Donoghue scoring his second of the night. Butler missed the conversion, and with 12 minutes to go, Munster were ahead 17-15.
“Eventually the dam bursts!” ️
Jack O’Donoghue crashes over following a long phase of @Munsterrugby pressure pic.twitter.com/3qxtJhKMaJ
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 25, 2025
Munster had the chance to earn a bonus point for a fourth try, but Connacht won a breakdown turnover a few metres from their own line. The visitors piled on the pressure for the last few minutes, making their way up the pitch but knocked it on and ultimately came up short.
Munster will be relieved they came out of the right side of the scoreboard after a fairly scrappy and disjointed game overall. Clayton McMillan’s side got the job done in the end to remain unbeaten and joined top of the URC table. Munster’s next game is a top of the table clash against Stormers in Thomond Park on 29 November.