Dragons see off Munster

Newport Gwent Dragons strengthened their Heineken Cup qualification hopes with a 31-22 triumph over Munster at Rodney Parade.

Munster, needing a win to go top of the Magners League, fielded a strong line-up including Springbok centre Jean de Villiers, former All Black Doug Howlett and Ireland internationals Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer.

The Irish province made a promising start, Howlett going over on the right only for it to be ruled out by the video referee for a knock-on.

O'Gara then hit the post with a straightforward penalty, those let-offs helping the Dragons to ease the pressure.

After finally gaining some territorial advantage, wing Aled Brew scored a blistering try for the hosts, racing 40 metres past two defenders before getting the better of full-back Paul Warwick to score.

Outside-half Jason Tovey converted but the lead did not last long as the home scrum, which had been under pressure, cracked on their line to concede a penalty try that gave O'Gara a simple conversion.

The tide turned, however, when the Welsh region gained significant territory.

The mistakes came from the Irishmen towards half-time, allowing Tovey to boot two penalties and give his side a six-point advantage at the break.

Dissent

To add further headaches to Irishmen's troubles, centre Lifeimi Mafi was sin-binned for answering back referee Dudley Phillips.

And the Dragons took advantage for wing Will Harries who went over under the posts, only for that to be erased when flanker Tommy O'Donnell was on the end of a passing movement that included hooker Denis Fogarty, O'Gara and Warwick.

Munster's chances of claiming that top spot took a turn for the worse a quick movement across midfield allowed full-back Martyn Thomas to get a third home touchdown.

They almost had the bonus point fourth try when Harries ran 70 metres from his own line but the resultant Tovey penalty in front of the posts sealed the result before prop Tony Buckley added a late converted try for Munster .