Munster's top eight hopes dented with defeat away at Cardiff

Munster’s chances of reaching the top eight play-off places in the United Rugby Championship took another dent as they were beaten for the first time by a Welsh region in 11 matches.

Two yellow cards did for the visitors, who had been beaten by the Bulls at home the previous weekend. They came into the game in seventh place, one point behind their hosts, and saw Cardiff steal a march by moving up to fifth.

Munster now have home games against Benetton Rugby and Ulster in which to ensure they can reach the play-offs.

Cardiff came into the game on a high after picking up five points against the Ospreys the previous weekend, and they started as they left off with all the early pressure. It looked as though that had paid off for them when scrum half Johan Mulder raced over in only the fifth minute after a bust up the middle from charging prop Danny Southworth.

Italian referee Gianluca Gnecchi had been in line with the final pass and was happy to let the try stand and for Ben Thomas to take, and miss, the conversion. Tadhg Beirne made his feelings known, and eventually the TMO came in and the try was ruled out.

A poor midfield pass by the home back line finally presented Munster with a chance to move up field, and then in the 12th minute,e Jack Crowley kicked the first penalty of the game into the left corner. This was familiar territory for Beirne’s forwards, and after a drive up to the posts, a superb 25 metre pass by Craig Casey gave Calvin Nash a clear run to the line for a try.

Crowley added the extras, and Munster were on the board. Back came Cardiff and their hooker and skipper Liam Belcher was just held up in the left corner.

He put his toe in touch as he went for the line and from the throw in Niall Scannell was off