Munster and Connacht both kicked off their Magners League campaigns with victories.
In Eric Elwood’s first match as Connacht’s head coach, the province convincingly defeated the Newport Gwent Dragons 40-17. Out-half Ian Keatley scored 25 points, thanks to a try, four conversions, and four penalties.
Man of the match Ray Ofisa and hooker Sean Cronin also scored tries. The province picked up a valuable bonus point thanks to a penalty try. Will Harries scored a try for the Dragons, who have won only one of their last 24 visits to Ireland. “It’s usually our graveyard in Galway but we have to win there sometime,” Dragons coach Paul Turner said.
Munster had a slightly less convincing win against Magners League new-boys Aironi Rugby. The Italian team were level 11-11 at half time thanks to a 31st minute try by full-back Julien Laharrague. The match changed in Munsters favour in the second half, when Aironi prop Salvatore Perugini was sin-binned.
Munster took advantage of having the extra man, and ran in two quick tries, the first by Niall Ronan, the second by Tony Buckley. Munster eventually ran out 33-17 winners.
