Munster lost out on the day to Cardiff Blues at the Cardiff Arms Park, but did enough to earn a bonus point – and a spot in the Magners League play-offs.
The game started well for Cardiff who won three successive penalties. Blair however, missed his first two attempts before earning three points with his third on 15 minutes. O’Gara stepped up soon afterwards and levelled the scoring at his first attempt.
Cardiff’s Jamie Roberts scored the first try of the game, powering over from close range. Blair added the conversion, but O’Gara kicked another three penalties to send his side into the break 10-12 ahead.
The second half was marked by Munster’s attempt to shut down the play, and Cardiff were repeatedly frustrated by some excellent defensive work. However, Halfpenny slotted a long distance penalty to give the Blues a 13-12 win on the day – but it wasn’t enough to earn the Welshmen a play-off spot.
The result means Munster walk away with a bonus point – enough to send them into a semi-final clash against rivals Leinster.
