United Rugby Championship Showdown in Limerick

Image source: Inpho
Image caption: Ruadhan Quinn celebrates his crucial first-half try for Munster

Match Highlights

• 5th minute: Josh Adams opens scoring for Cardiff with clinical finish
• 30th minute: Ruadhan Quinn responds with unconverted corner try
• 43rd minute: Tom Bowen completes first of three tries from Sheedy assist
• 55th minute: Gavin Coombes powers through defense for critical score
• 78th minute: Crowley's clutch drop goal creates decisive 8-point gap

Key Moments Analysis

Munster's defensive resilience proved vital as they overcame Cardiff's persistent attacks and Tom Bowen's hat-trick performance. The turning point came at 60 minutes when:

1. Diarmuid Barron's maul try restored Munster lead
2. Crowley converted penalty from 40 meters
3. Cardiff's McNally received yellow card for dangerous tackle

Standout Performer: Jack Crowley (Munster)

• 2 conversions
• 1 penalty
• 1 drop goal
• 11 total points

Squad Contributions

Final Phase Drama

Cardiff secured double bonus points through Bowen's last-gasp hat-trick score, but Munster's disciplined final quarter proved decisive. The result maintains Munster's perfect start to the 2025 URC season while Cardiff earn consolation points.

Teams
Munster: O'Connor; Daly, Kelly, Nankivell, Abrahams; Crowley, E Coughlan; Loughman, Scannell (capt), Jager, Kleyn, F Wycherley, Ahern, R Quinn, Coombes.
Replacements: Barron, J Wycherley, Foxe, J O'Donoghue, Gleeson, Patterson, Butler, S O'Brien.

Cardiff: Beetham; Adams, Millard, Jennings, Bowen; Sheedy, Mulder; Southworth, Belcher (capt), Sebastian; McNally, Williams, Mann, D Thomas, Lawrence.
Replacements: D Hughes, Barratt, Wainwright, Donnell, Basham, A Davies, I Lloyd, Emanuel.