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On a record-breaking day for Connacht Rugby, 27,870 people got their money's worth in Castlebar, but the heaving home support couldn’t get the result they wanted.

Hastings Insurance MacHale Park was in raptures with less than three minutes to go when Dylan Tierney-Martin dived over for what looked like a winning Connacht try, having trailed Munster by 18 points heading into the final quarter.

Those celebrations were short-lived though; referee Craig Evans disallowed the late score after a croc-roll by Bundee Aki in the build-up, as Munster would hold onto a precious bonus-point 30-24 win when Jean Kleyn’s stolen lineout sealed the game.

While a miracle comeback win would have been a remarkable sight, it would have been a smash and grab victory, with Munster deserving winners over the course of the 80 minutes.

Ian Costello’s side were inspired by their half-back pair, with Jack Crowley and Craig Casey dictating the game throughout. Both players crossed for tries, with Crowley adding two conversions and two penalties in a marvelous display of control and skill. If his new contract isn't signed yet, Munster need to make it happen immediately.

The visitors led from start to finish, with Tom Ahern and Diarmuid Barron also crossing for tries, while they had to play 55 minutes of the game with 14 players following a red card for Alex Nankivell, the centre sent off for a dangerous hit on Cian Prendergast, which has seen the Connacht captain taken to hospital. Tadhg Beirne and Niall Scannell also picked up yellow cards, as the visitors finished the game with 13 players.

Munster led 18-5 at half time, Sean Jansen with the Connacht try, and he would add another in the second half, with Caolin Blade also crossing to trim Munster’s lead.

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