Leinster grind down Munster in low-scoring derby

Tries are overrated. On a night of sneezing wind and rain, brutality was beautiful.

There will be more eye-catching rugby played in the BKT United Rugby Championship this season, but on a St Stephen's night derby between Munster and Leinster, the only thing that matters is a win, which Leinster did just enough to achieve on a grueling 9-3 scoreline.

In a game with no tries and just 12 points, the intensity of the collisions was enough consolation. The edge has sharpened between these two sides in the last 18 months, and it made for an absorbing contest.

Joe McCarthy played like a man who has taken the news of RG Snyman’s signing for Leinster personally, and the second row was incredible throughout, throwing himself into every contact, and slowing down Munster at each opportunity.

In the end, the visitors simply wore Munster down. Playing with the conditions behind them in the opening half, Leinster moved out to an early 6-0 lead with a pair of Harry Byrne penalties, while Munster’s only points arrived early shortly after the break through Crowley.

While the score was low, it was partly down to the intent shown by both sides, who turned down shots at goal on multiple occasions in favour of a more profitable score, only to be thwarted by some ferocious defending.

The most notable of those missed chances was for Munster on 67 minutes, after Gavin Coombes had won a jackal penalty in midfield. Even without the benefit of hindsight, it seemed a smart play for the province to shoot at goal and try level the game, but after going for the corner their lineout struggles continued. It would be their final real attacking opportunity.

The win for Leinster sees them move back to the top of the URC table, while Munster must settle for just a