Early blitz sees Leinster down Munster at Croke Park

We were promised an occasion at Croke Park. For the fans in blue, at least, it delivered on that promise.

In front of 80,468 supporters at GAA HQ, Leinster continued their dominance over Munster with a 26-12 win, scoring three tries in a ferocious first 15 minutes, which ensured their victory was never really in doubt.

The previous four meetings of these sides had all been one-score games, but, within a quarter of an hour, it was apparent that a similar margin of victory wouldn't be on the cards.

RG Snyman had been the talk of Irish rugby after his move from Munster to Leinster this summer, and it was his try right on half-time that brought up the bonus-point.

By then, the game already felt over, with James Lowe, Caelan Doris and Hugo Keenan all crossing the line inside the opening quarter of an hour, as Leinster exploded into the game.

While they scored three early tries, defence was their greatest attacking weapon. Munster made enough line breaks and created enough chances to keep this game competitive, but whenever they got within striking range, Leinster’s ferocious rush defence met them behind the gainline, with Jamie Osborne in particular delivering a masterclass.

There were several standouts in blue. James Ryan stole two lineouts in the first half when the game was still in the balance, while Doris scored one and played a big role in two other tries.

Ciarán Frawley showed some nice touches in the build-up to the opening flurry of tries, while his opposite number for Munster, Jack Crowley, was one of the few Munster players who brought energy to the game.

Sean O’Brien got in for Munster’s first half try on 32 minutes, before Mike Haley crossed the line with 15 to play, but Graham Rowntree’s side never looked like getting