Dragons 23-17 Munster: Welsh side secure thrilling win despite off-field upheaval

The Dragons put their off-field issues to one side to record a long overdue victory over Munster at Rodney Parade.

An impressive late try from Rio Dyer proved decisive in handing the hosts victory, their first at home since April 2021, while JJ Hanrahan added 18 points from the tee.

Munster, for the second week running, failed to really get going in south Wales, although tries from Stephen Archer and Ben Healy seemed to put them in charge at the break.

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But Dyer's moment of brilliance 10 minutes from time proved enough to end a difficult week on a high.

Dai Flanagan oversaw proceedings in the absence of director of rugby Dean Ryan, who looks increasingly certain to leave the Gwent outfit.

Having conceded 21 penalties in a diabolical defeat to Edinburgh on the opening weekend, the Dragons defence unfortunately appeared to pick up where they left off in the opening few minutes.

A sloppy early penalty at the breakdown presented Healy with a simple kick in front of the posts to get the visitors off the mark, but the Dragons responded, forcing a number of penalties of their own after applying pressure to the Munster defence.

Hanrahan kicked over five times from the tee as Munster, on the back of a stinging defeat to Cardiff, began to stutter.

But the pendulum soon swung back in the way of the visitors, who ran in two tries in the final four minutes of the first half. Archer was first to crash over first for a converted score, in a move which also saw Dyer sent to the bin for a high challenge on Simon Zebo in the build-up.

Munster quickly took advantage of their numerical advantage, with a lovely drive allowing Healy to peel away and dart over.

It was harsh on the