Injury-hit Munster summon Champions Cup spirit to stun French giants Toulon

Munster kept their Champions Cup hopes alive with a stunning performance after they defeated Toulon 29-18 at the Stade Mayol.

Following a draw and a defeat in the competition, the Irish province desperately needed a victory and they got it thanks to a fine effort in France.

Head coach Graham Rowntree has a number of injuries to contend with but the team did him proud, especially after they went 10-0 down.

Duncan Paia’aua’s score, allied by five points from the boot of Melvyn Jaminet, put Toulon in control, but Munster responded impressively.

They were 17-13 ahead by the interval thanks to Alex Nankivell and Simon Zebo tries, and the visitors built on that in the second period.

Further efforts from Ireland prospects Thomas Ahern and Calvin Nash proved to be enough for a bonus-point win in the Champions Cup, despite Cornell du Preez’s response.

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It was a must-win for both teams and, as a result, it was an unsurprisingly physical affair. Both sides went at each other hammer and tongs, but it was Toulon who began on the front foot and were rewarded with a Jaminet penalty.

They then manufactured a wonderful try to take a 10-0 advantage. Flying Fijian Jiuta Wainiqolo was the creator, evading several tackles with his footwork and pace before he found Paia’aua to score.

Munster, who are struggling for form, could have folded, but they found the spirit they always seem to have in the Champions Cup.

Jack Crowley initially reduced the arrears from the tee before Nankivell crossed the whitewash from close range to level matters.

Although Jaminet restored the hosts’ lead, the visitors were starting to find their rhythm and just prior to the interval, Zebo went over.

It was created by Crowley, whose beautifully weighted kick over the top was collected by the full-back.

Going into the break 17-13 ahead, Munster built on that in the second period and once more scored a fine try.

Their fly-half again played a key role with a cross-field dink, but this try needed a bit more finishing. However, Ahern, who is quickly making a name for himself, did brilliantly to score and put his side in command.

Toulon did give themselves hope when Du Preez took advantage of some superb work by Jaminet, but the visitors sealed a deserved win as Nash dominated the aerial battle to claim the ball and touch down.

The teams

Toulon: 15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Ben White, 8 Facundo Isa, 7 Selevasio Tolofua, 6 Cornell du Preez, 5 David Ribbans (c), 4 Matthias Halagahu, 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Christopher Tolofua, 1 Dany Priso
Replacements: 16 Jack Singleton, 17 Bruce Devaux, 18 Beka Gigashvili, 19 Brian Alainu’uese, 20 Jules Coulon, 21 Jules Danglot, 22 Jérémy Sinzelle, 23 Setariki Tuicuvu

Munster: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Shane Daly, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne (c), 4 Thomas Ahern, 3 John Ryan, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Jeremy Loughman
Replacements: 16 Eoghan Clarke, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Brian Gleeson, 20 Alex Kendellen, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Joey Carbery, 23 Sean O’Brien

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
Assistant Referees: Saba Abulashvili (Geo), Shota Tevzadze (Geo)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wal)

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