Scots shock leaders Munster
Edinburgh produced a shock 29-14 victory over RaboDirect Pro12 leaders Munster at Murrayfield.
Last Updated: 30/09/11 10:31pm
Edinburgh produced a shock 29-14 victory over RaboDirect Pro12 leaders Munster at Murrayfield.
Nineteen points from the boot of captain Greig Laidlaw combined with tries from Matt Scott and Steve Lawrie proved sufficient to see off a lacklustre visiting side, whose sole try came from replacement Danny Barnes, the rest of their points added by fly-half Ian Keatley.
The reigning league champions, who had held a 100% record until this encounter, made a very poor start, with two Laidlaw penalties in the opening five minutes giving the hosts an early cushion.
The visitors duly coughed up another penalty within the range of Laidlaw on the quarter-hour mark, and the home captain dispatched it confidently to widen the gap.
The hosts further hammered home their early dominance when they engineered the space to cross for the game's first try with Scott showing quick feet to cruise over to celebrate his 21st birthday in style, Laidlaw successfully adding the extras.
Foothold
With a 16-point advantage, Edinburgh appeared to take their foot of the gas, allowing Munster to establish a foothold in the match.
Keatley soon had his side on the scoreboard with an accurate penalty effort, before two further penalty conversions in the closing minutes of the half ensured the visitors were still very much in contact at the break.
The home side emerged for the second period with a renewed sense of vigour, an early Laidlaw penalty once again extending their advantage.
And their next try followed soon after, with a Lee Jones offloaded to the ubiquitous Laidlaw handing a pass to hooker Lawrie, who cantered in to touchdown. Laidlaw was once again able to convert from close range.
Having passed up numerous kickable penalties, Munster were finally rewarded with a try, albeit unconverted, when replacement winger Barnes dotted down in the corner.
It was left to Laidlaw to conclude the scoring in the closing minutes, his fifth successful penalty effort rounding off a surprise win for an ecstatic Edinburgh side.
