Munster lock in top seed after comeback win v Ulster

Munster will carry the top seed into the BKT United rugby Championship play-offs after a 29-24 win against Ulster, coming from behind to win an epic end of season Interpro at Thomond Park.

Ulster led 17-7 at half time and 24-14 early in the second half, and were good value for that scoreline, with Richie Murphy's side threatening to throw a major curveball on the play-off picture.

Ultimately, the losing bonus-point is enough for the northern province to secure Champions Cup rugby next season, with their sixth-place finish setting up a quarter-final away to Leinster on Saturday next. The game at the Aviva Stadium will have a 5pm kick-off.

Munster, meanwhile, will have home advantage for as long as they remain in the competition, starting with the Ospreys on Friday next; the Thomond Park clash will have a 7.35pm start.

As it so often has done in recent weeks, Munster’s bench proved the difference. Joey Carbery was outstanding after his introduction for an injured Rory Scannell in the opening half, while Gavin Coombes, Tom Ahern and Oli Jager contributed to the province’s come from behind win, their ninth in a row in the URC.

Munster got off to the perfect start when RG Snyman’s early try nudged them into a 7-0 lead, but Ulster controlled the first half, with tries for Rob Herring and the excellent David McCann, as well as a John Cooney penalty, giving them a 17-7 half time buffer.

The sides traded tries early in the second half, with Calvin Nash’s effort cancelled out by Matty Rea, but Munster’s greater power saw them dominate Ulster physically as the second half wore on.

Shane Daly’s try on 58 minutes got Munster back within reach, before they nudged ahead with a bonus-point score for hooker Eoghan Clarke.

And with the game