Munster 23
Scarlets 13
Rassie Erasmus' tenure as Munster's Director of Rugby got off to a solid if unspectacular start today as his side overcame Llanelli Scarlets in Parc Y Scarlets this afternoon.
First half tries from James Cronin and Ronan O'Mahony set Munster on their way to their opening win of the season, but the loss of Simon Zebo may prove a cause for concern as he hobbled off in the first half with a rib injury after a collision with Liam Williams.
However, Munster failed to let the loss of their talisman get in the way of their mission and found themselves in front soon after.
They found themselves on the back foot for the majority of the opening exchanges, but their defence remained rigid and they reaped the rewards of that on their first visit to the 22' when Cronin barged over against the run of play.
Despite their early dominance, Scarlets had nothing to show for their efforts and Rhys Patchell went about rectifying that as he slotted over a penalty to get the home side on the board.
Munster soon extended their lead in the latter stages of the first half as Jack O'Donoghue punched a hole through the middle before O'Mahony scooped up possession to race over the line.
Bleyendaal converted but Gareth Davies responded with a superb individual try from inside his own half, as his quick thinking saw him race clear down the right touchline before gathering his own grubber ahead to reduce the gap.
Munster's Kiwi out-half added a penalty to his two conversion to give the visitors a 17-10 half-time lead.
After the restart, Patchell and Bleyendaal exchanged penaltiesbefore Ian Keatley gave Munster a commanding 10 point lead with 15 minutes to go, a lead they held onto to deny their counterparts side a losing bonus point.
Scarlets v Munster
Simon Zebo of Munster
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Camerasport/Craig Thomas
Rhys Patchell of Scarlets converts scarlets first try
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Camerasport/Craig Thomas
Scarlets' Scott Williams is tackle by Niall Scannell and Jack O'Donoghue of Munster
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Camerasport/Craig Thomas
Scarlets' Liam Williams takes on Darren Sweetnam of Munster
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Camerasport/Craig Thomas
Munster's Ronan O'Mahony breaks away from Jake Ball of Scarlets
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Camerasport/Paul Jenkins
Scarlets' Josh Macleod is tackled by Ronan O'Mahony of Munster
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Camerasport/Craig Thomas
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