Leinster Rugby claimed a hard-fought 13-8 victory over Munster in a tense United Rugby Championship 2025 interprovincial derby at Thomond Park, thanks to an early try from Josh van der Flier and precise kicking from Harry Byrne.

The victory extends Leinster’s winning streak to six consecutive games across all competitions, bouncing back strongly after a shaky start to the 2025-26 season where they had lost three of their opening four matches. Meanwhile, Munster’s losing bonus point moved them into second place in the URC table, just above Cardiff.

Van der Flier Sparks Leinster’s Attack

The game’s only try came in the sixth minute when Van der Flier peeled off the back of a line-out maul and powered through Munster’s defense, running past Craig Casey to score. This early strike set the tone for a tightly contested game, with both teams struggling to generate attacking rhythm throughout the match.

Harry Byrne added eight points from penalties, while Munster’s Jack Crowley kicked three, keeping the scoreline within reach. Dan Kelly’s late try for Munster brought the visitors to within five points, but Leinster’s resolute defense ensured the champions held on for the win.

Match Overview

• Leinster 13 – Try: Van der Flier | Cons/Pens: Byrne 2, Conversions
• Munster 8 – Try: Kelly | Pen: Crowley

Scrum dominance was a key feature of the first half, with Leinster’s front row consistently gaining the upper hand over Munster’s tight-head, particularly former Leinster player Michael Ala’alatoa, who struggled against his old club. Despite enjoying territorial superiority, Munster lacked precision in crucial moments, including knock-ons and missed kicks at touch.

Tactical Analysis

Leinster’s game plan focused on structured set-piece play and disciplined defense. Their forwards repeatedly forced turnovers and kept Munster pinned in their own half. Key tactical moments included:

• Early line-out maul – Van der Flier exploited space to score the decisive try.
• Scrum dominance – Allowed Leinster to relieve pressure and control territory.
• Penalty kicking accuracy – Byrne’s two penalties maintained Leinster’s lead and kept Munster at bay.

Munster’s attempts to break through Leinster’s defense in the second half were largely frustrated, with the team unable to convert possession into meaningful attacking opportunities. A late try from Dan Kelly added drama but fell short of changing the outcome.

Coaches’ Reactions

Leinster coach Leo Cullen praised his side’s resilience:

“It was a tight, physical game, but the boys showed discipline and composure. Josh’s try and our defense in the closing stages were crucial to securing the win.”

Munster management acknowledged the challenges of playing away in a fiercely contested derby:

“It was a tough day at Thomond Park. While we had periods of possession, Leinster’s set-piece and defense prevented us from capitalizing. We’ll take lessons from this as we move forward in the URC.”

Line-Ups

Leinster: Frawley; O’Brien, Ioane, Henshaw, Lowe; Byrne, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Clarkson; McCarthy, Ryan; Deegan, van der Flier, Doris (capt.)
Replacements: McKee, P McCarthy, Furlong, Mangan, Penny, Gunne, Tector, Osborne

Munster: Haley; Daly, Farrell, Nankivell, Abrahams; Crowley, Casey; Milne, Barron, Ala’alatoa; Edogbo, Ahern; Beirne, O’Donoghue, Coombes
Replacements: Barron, Loughman, Ryan, Kleyn, Wycherley, Patterson, Kelly, Hodnett

Referee: Peter Martin (IRFU)