Jack Crowley shines as Munster crush Leinster at Croke Park

Munster defeated rivals Leinster 31-14 at Croke Park as they went top of the URC table with their fourth straight win.

Leinster duo Tommy O’Brien and number eight Jack Conan were both withdrawn after failing late fitness tests, but things started well for the defending champions, with Ronan Kelleher going over following a lineout and maul routine.

Sam Prendergast converted to take an early advantage in the battle of Ireland’s top two fly-halves, but it was Munster, and player-of-the-match Jack Crowley, who were celebrating by the end.

Brian Gleeson scored after a smart tap-and-go, and Crowley’s precision kick left Tom Farrell with a one-touch finish as Munster flipped the scoreline in their favour.

Ethan Coughlan picked Jamison Gibson-Park’s pocket to charge the length of the pitch and bag a third try for his side, with Crowley making it a hat-trick of first-half conversions.

A long-range penalty ensured his impressive outing continued to drive Munster forward, and a penalty try against Ciaran Frawley sealed the bonus point. Scott Penny went over in the closing seconds for a consolation.

A special night in Dublin