Munster Secures Bonus-Point Victory Against 13-Man Stade Francais

Munster: (14) 33 Tries: Abrahams, Daly, Kendellen, Farrell, Coombes Pens: Cons: Crowley 4 Stade Francais: (0) 7 Tries: Castets Pens: Cons: Henry Munster commenced their Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 campaign with a decisive 33-7 bonus-point victory over Stade Francais, a team that played a significant portion of the second half with only 13 players. The Irish province held a 14-point advantage at the interval at Thomond Park, established by converted tries from Thaakir Abrahams and Shane Daly. Nine minutes into the second half, visiting second-row Pierre Azagoh was sent off for making contact with Peter O’Mahony’s head with a flying arm, after which Alex Kendellen grounded the ball to extend Munster’s lead. Baptise Pesenti received a red card in the 53rd minute for a dangerous tackle, preceding Tom Farrell’s try which secured the bonus point. Clement Castets’ try for Stade Francais reduced the deficit, but Gavin Coombes scored his side’s fifth try in the corner, concluding the scoring. Munster’s next fixture is scheduled for Friday, at home against Castres. Munster started the match strongly, taking the lead in the 15th minute when Abrahams dived over in the corner after Craig Casey emerged from the back of a maul to provide the pass for the wing. O’Mahony soared highest to win the ball in the line-out, setting up the platform for this score. In the 26th minute, centre Alex Nankivell was issued a yellow card for a high tackle on Lucas Peyresblanque. Despite this temporary numerical disadvantage, Munster increased their lead through an outstanding solo effort from Daly. The full-back demonstrated brilliant skill, executing two deft chip kicks into space, then displaying a turn of speed to race past two Stade defenders and score a stunning individual try. Crowley successfully converted his second try. Although the home side could not convert further pressure on their opponents’ line into additional points, they maintained a 14-point lead at the break. Stade Francais exerted a period of pressure upon the resumption of play but were reduced to 14 men in the 49th minute. This occurred when Azagoh was sent off following a lengthy Television Match Official (TMO) review for catching O’Mahony on the head with a flying arm. Munster’s third try followed one minute later, initiated by O’Mahony winning the line-out. The hosts then produced a strong maul, from which Kendellen broke free to touch down. The situation deteriorated further for the French side as they lost another of their second rows, Pesenti, to a red card. The Stade forward lifted Casey off the ground before dropping him, with the scrum-half fortunate not to land on his head. Munster capitalised on their two-man advantage to seal the bonus point when Farrell scored a try on his Champions Cup debut. Crowley maintained his 100% kicking record from the tee at that point with the additional two points. The French side narrowed their deficit when Castets forced his way over the line after a quick interchange, with Zack Henry adding the extras. A stretched visiting defense allowed Coombes to find himself in considerable open space before dotting down in the corner. The team line-ups for the match were as follows: Munster: Daly; Nash, Farrell, Nankivell, Abrahams; Crowley, Casey; Bleuler, Barron (capt), J Ryan; O’Connell, Wycherley; O’Mahony, Kendellen, Coombes. Replacements: Scannell, K Ryan, Archer, Beirne, Hodnett, Patterson, Burns, O’Donoghue. Stade Francais: Jonas; Laloi, Marchant, Boudehent, Ezeala; Henry, Motassi; Castets, Peyresblanques, Kodela; Azagoh, Pesenti; Huguet, Chapuis (capt), Tanga. Replacements: Petriashvili, M Alo-Emile, P Alo-Emile, Turagacoke, Timo, Scelzo, Foursans-Bourdette, Carbonel.