Connacht beat Munster at last

Keatley: man-of-the-match

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Connacht claimed their first victory over Munster since 1986 with a 12-6 success in Galway.

Four penalty goals from man-of-the-match Ian Keatley saw the league's bottom side score another shock victory at the Sportsground, following up on last month's memorable defeat of defending champions Leinster.

Despite the setback, the European champions still hold a three-point lead at the top of the Magners League table, but coach Tony McGahan will be very disappointed with his side's display.

Although the likes of Paul O'Connell, Ronan O'Gara and John Hayes were rested, McGahan still fielded 10 players from the team that started last month's historic clash with the All Blacks.

However, Munster's chances of recording their seventh win in eight league games were dented by two sin-binnings - Niall Ronan and Doug Howlett saw yellow in each half - and Connacht, who moved ahead in the final quarter, had the physical and mental strength to hold on.

Munster managed to convert some of their early pressure into points when Mike McCarthy was penalised for a ruck offence, allowing Warwick to open the scoring against his former side.

Connacht would not be overawed and the pre-match favourites needed a tap tackle from Ronan to floor a charging Andrew Farley as Connacht flooded through towards the 22.

Keatley drew Connacht level after 21 minutes, firing a penalty over from the right after a ruck offence from Alan Quinlan.

Buoyed

Buoyed by this, Connacht's forwards began to make more headway coming up to half-time.

Winger Troy Nathan made a powerful burst up the right and good carries from Sean Cronin and Brett Wilkinson got the hosts within scoring range.

Keatley's subsequent drop goal attempt was off target but when Munster openside Ronan was sin-binned for deliberately slowing up quick ruck ball, Keatley made no mistake with a close-range penalty.

Connacht lost their grip on their 6-3 half-time lead when Warwick sent over a monster penalty kick, six minutes into the second half.

A chip and chase from Howlett had the Connacht defence under plenty of pressure but they survived and a missed drop goal from Keith Earls and a wayward Warwick penalty did little for the visitors' confidence.

Some clever kicking from Liam Bibo relieved the pressure on Michael Bradley's men and with new centre Niva Ta'auso, an experienced Super 14 campaigner, putting himself about and registering some thumping tackles the action came to the boil again.

Pressure

When Munster debutant Nick Williams went offside at a ruck after 62 minutes, Keatley stroked home the penalty for a 9-6 lead.

Connacht survived another bout of pressure near their posts and forced a crucial penalty near the Munster 22 when James Coughlan was seen holding onto the ball on the floor.

The nerveless Keatley slotted the kick and with errors creeping into Munster's game and strong game management from Keatley and Frank Murphy behind a never-say-die pack, Connacht claimed a glorious late Christmas present.