Saracens 26-10 Munster: Mark McCall's side book Champions Cup title defence in Edinburgh
Last Updated: 23/04/17 7:12am
Saracens beat Munster 26-10 in Dublin on Saturday to progress to the final of the European Champions Cup.
Going into the game neither side had conceded a first-half try in the Champions Cup this season, and that once again proved the case as the teams turned around at the break with Saracens 6-3 ahead after Owen Farrell slotted two penalties to Tyler Bleyendaal's one.
Mako Vunipola's converted try near the hour mark put Saracens 10 points ahead, and though Munster looked to be responding well shortly thereafter, their momentum was halted when Bleyendaal pushed a penalty attempt wide before Farrell slotted his third.
Chris Wyles then scored the visitors' second try, and Farrell converted then added a fourth penalty to put Saracens out of reach. Though CJ Stander scored to hand Munster the final say, Saracens were comfortable winners in Dublin.
Turning point
With Saracens three points ahead Tyler Bleyendaal put in a poor clearance to hand Saracens an attacking lineout.
The visitors rumbled the ball up from the set piece and Mako Vunipola spun out of a tackle to dot down for the first try of the match. Farrell converted, and Munster were unable to claw their way back into the game thereafter.
Lions watch
Mako Vunipola put in a try-scoring performance at the Aviva Stadium, but it was a hard-fought battle in the set piece, while Maro Itoje was a nuisance in the loose.
No 8 Billy Vunipola won his battle with fellow tourist CJ Stander, and fly-half Owen Farrell showed his goal-kicking class as well as his temperament in controlling the game when Munster were trying to wrestle their way into the game.
Tweet of the game
There was plenty of kicking in the first half…
Stat of the game
17: Saracens' win takes them to 17 consecutive victories in Europe, which equalled the record set by Leinster from 2010-12.
Who will they face?
Saracens will defend their title in Edinburgh against either Clermont or Leinster, with the two teams facing off in Lyon on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 3 from 2.30pm.
