Munster destroyed Leicester today to record a comfortable 38-0 bonus point win over their illustrious rivals to take firm control of Pool 1.
It was a methodical performance from the province as they dominated the aerial battle and the physical collisions to set themselves up nicely in their pool.
CJ Stander made a trademark run up the middle early in the first half, only for Leicester to turn the ball over after Munster failed to protect possession.
They were in the Tger's faces from the off however, and forced their visitors to give away multiple penalties. Tyler Bleyendaal was clinical as he converted one after another to build up a 12-0 lead.
Munster's Tyler Bleyendaal kicks a penalty
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
He could indeed have made it 15, but pushed his fifth attempt wide of the mark. That miss didn't deter Munster however, as they mounted phase after phase on the Leicester line after Slater was yellow-carded for repeated infringements at the breakdown.
As they began to control the game, Conor Murray was at his imperious best directing his side around the park with ease, so it was little surprise he was involved in the first try. He sold a dummy to go wide and fired an inside pass back to Zebo, who crossed unopposed from five metres out.
Bleyendaal added the extras to give Rassie Erasmus's side a commanding 19-0 lead at half time.
Munster's Simon Zebo celebrates scoring their first try with teammates
Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Munster picked up where they left off at the end of the first half and went hunting tries - seemingly comfortable in the knowledge that the game had already been won.
Their dominant pack provided the platform for the impressive Jaco Taute to storm over from close range. Bleyendaal added the conversion again to take the score to 26-0.
Munster's Jaco Taute scores their second try of the game
Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
The home side kept the pressure on and never gave Leicester the chance to get a foothold in the game. A further attack led to Taute going over in the corner to take the score out to 31-0, as Leicester looked to be deflated and out of ideas.
Munster's Jaco Taute scores their third try of the game
Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Munster didn't relent however, and some intelligent play from Darren Sweetnam on the wing with a clever kick gave Taute the chance to add another try. He was taken out without the ball just short of the line, and Munster were awarded a penalty try to seal the bonus point. George Worth picked up a yellow card for his troubles as Munster stretched out to a 38-0 lead.
Leicester mounted one serious attack late on in an attempt to avoid being kept scoreless, but Munster's defence couldn't be breached, seeing out the game without conceding.
Full-time and another outstanding display by Munster to beat Leicester Tigers 38-0. #MUNvLEI
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 10, 2016
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