Fiona Hayes: Beating Leinster just a 'step' along the way

Fiona Hayes has warned her Munster charges that beating Leinster was only a step along way in their Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship.

Munster scored five tries in a thrilling 32-21 victory over defending champions Leinster on Saturday in Cork.

It made it two from so in the series so far and Munster will travel to face Connacht, who drew with Ulster, next weekend.

After that, the top two, currently Munster and Leinster, face off in the final.

"When we came off the pitch after the win last week (against Ulster), we weren’t too happy with ourselves so today the girls are in great form, they really enjoyed it," head coach Hayes told TG4.

"They are very aware it’s step two of four steps.

"We know a win here is huge for us but there’s a lot left in this competition."

On her side’s five-try haul, with Beth Buttimer, Claire Bennett, Chisom Ugwueru, Alana McInerney all crossing in addition to a penalty try, former Ireland prop Hayes said: "They did what we wanted. We wanted them to pull the trigger, go wide, have a crack and they went after that."

Leinster head coach Tania Rosser (above) remained positive and was pleased with her team’s efforts.

"It was an epic game, they created some good rugby out there, both teams," she said.

"Look, when we come down to Munster they always put on a good fight. A few things didn’t go our way but that’s okay, we’ve got next week and hopefully we’re into a final.

"We’ve got to focus on next week (away to Ulster) now.

"We’ve got lots of work to do. Some of our decision-making let us down but overall it was a great game and I can’t complain about it."

While Munster ran out two-score winners, Leinster had late pressure and there was just a six-point margin in the final minutes as the visitors