Munster secure bonus-point 29-17 win over weakened Leinster

Munster 29 - 17 Leinster, Limerick

The Ireland internationals made their presence felt as Munster went on to claim a bonus point 29-17 win over a weakened Leinster Rugby in their Pro 12 encounter on Monday.

The IRFU Player Welfare programme did not allow Leinster from fielding most of the Ireland internationals while Munster was at their full strength.

It was fullback Zane Kirchner, who started the proceedings for Leinster with a 17th minute try while the reliable wing Isa Nacewa added the conversion to take them to 7-0 lead.

The scorers were levelled when Simon Zebo replied back with a 22nd minute try and fly-half Tyler Bleyendaal added the conversion.

Even though Nacewa once again put Leinster into the lead with a penalty, Ronan O'Mahony crossed over at extra time and Bleyendaal extras meant Munster went into half time with 14-10 lead.

The second half started with Munster dominance once again with Tommy O'Donnell touching down in the 49th minute with Ireland international CJ Stander following the suit seven minutes later to secure the bonus point for the home team. Bleyendaal added conversion on both occasions as the lead swelled to 19 points.

A desperate effort from Leinster replacement Richardt Strauss in the 76th minute when he strolled past the line and another two points from Nacewa helped them reduce the defeat margin to 12 points.

Munster continue to the top the table with 42 points while Leinster are placed second with 37 points.