Munster battle past Castres with 30-5 victory

Munster 30-5 Castres, Thomond Park
Scorecard

Munster came up with an improved second half performance as they went on to beat Castres 30-5 in their European Rugby Champions Cup at Thomond Park on Sunday.

The win has taken Munster to the top place in Pool 2 with 11 points while Castres are at third with five points.

JJ Hanrahan kicked two penalties in the first 20 minutes to provide Munster a six point lead that remained the only points in the game in the opening half. The first half also ended with Castres not managing to touch the ball inside Munster 22.

The Irish side further extended their lead in the initial minutes of the second half when Conor Murray set Rory Scannell over the line that was improved by Hanrahan to make it 13-0 which became 16-0 when the fly-half slotted another penalty goal in the 58th minute.

Murray was once again instrumental in Munster's second try as he offloaded CJ Stander, who goes over the line. Heineken Man of the Match Hanrahan, who kicked the extras also scored a converted try in the 75th minute taking their tally to 30 points.

Martin Laveau scored a consolation try for Castres in the final minute following a sin-bin to Andrew Conway, it was Munster, who dominated the second half to complete a 30-5 victory.