The hosts got off to the ideal start when Niall Ronan scored inside two minutes, capitalising on Rua Tipoki’s clever kick, with Ronan O'Gara adding the conversion.

A Ben Blair penalty put the visitors on the scoreboard before a Richard Mustoe try and Blair conversion in the 33rd minute helped ensured the Blues held a 10-7 half-time lead.

Five minutes after the break Ma'ama Molitika’s converted try extended that advantage before Paul O’Connell’s touchdown, with an O’Gara conversion, reduced the deficit to 17-14.

The next score was crucial and it went to the hosts with Ronan getting his second of the night and when Justin Melck went over in the 63rd minute O’Gara’s kick gave Munster an 11-point cushion.

Two minutes later Blair kicked his second penalty of the night but there was still no way back and his missed effort seconds from the end would have made little difference even if it had gone over.