2017 �18 MUNSTER RUGBY SEASON

2017–18 Munster Rugby season
Ground(s)	Thomond Park (Capacity: 25,600); Irish Independent Park (Capacity: 8,008)
Director of Rugby	Rassie Erasmus (until 13 November 2017)
Coach(es)	Johann van Graan (from 20 November 2017)
Captain(s)	Peter O'Mahony
Most appearances	Jack O'Donoghue (30)
Top scorer	Ian Keatley (174)
Most tries	Alex Wootton (9)
League(s)	Pro14
2017–18	2nd (Conf. A), Semi-finals
← 2016–17	2018–19 →

The 2017–18 Munster Rugby season was Munster's seventeenth season competing in the Pro14, alongside which they also competed in the European Rugby Champions Cup. It was Rassie Erasmus's second season as director of rugby and Johann van Graan's first as head coach.^[1]

Events

In June 2017, after many weeks of media speculation, Munster confirmed that director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and Defence Coach Jacques Nienaber would leave their roles with the province and return to South Africa on 31 December 2017.^[2] In the same month however, coaches Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones extended their contracts with the province by two years, both expanding their roles to forwards coach and backline and attack coach respectively. Team manager Niall O'Donovan also signed a new three-year contract.^[3]

In the provinces only pre-season fixture, Munster beat English side Worcester Warriors 35–26 in Sixways Stadium on 24 August. The match saw former Munster stalwarts Peter Stringer and Donncha O'Callaghan play against their old club, while new signings Chris Farrell, Gerbrandt Grobler and James Hart made their non-competitive debuts for Munster.^[4] Munster began their 2017–18 Pro14 campaign on 1 September 2017, scoring six tries on their way to a comfortable 34–3 win against Benetton.^[5] In October 2017, Munster confirmed that then- South Africa Forwards Coach Johann van Graan would join the province in November as their new head coach.^[6] In the same month, it was announced that Munster's all-time leading try scorer, Simon Zebo, would leave the province at the end of the season.^[7]

In Rounds 1 & 2 of the 2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup in October 2017, Munster drew 17–17 away to Castres before earning a 14–7 win at home to Racing 92.^[8]^[9] Erasmus and Nienaber left the province in early November 2017, with the province confirming their departure on 13 November 2017.^[10] Johann van Graan's first official game as Munster's new head coach was a 36–19 win away against Zebre in the Pro14 on 26 November 2017.^[11]^[12] Lions Defence Coach JP Ferreira joined Munster in December 2017.^[13] In the December Champions Cup double-header against Leicester Tigers, Munster won 33–10 at home before winning 25–16 away, their first win at Welford Road for 11 years.^[14]^[15] In doing so, Munster became the first team to defeat Leicester in both games of the double-header since they were introduced in 1999, while the home victory also saw Munster surpass 4,000 points in the competition.^[16] In Rounds 5 & 6 of the Champions Cup, Munster lost 34–30 away to Racing 92 before beating Castres 48–3 at home, securing a record 17th quarter-final.^[17]^[18] Munster beat 3-time tournament champions Toulon 20–19 in the quarter-final after a late Andrew Conway try and conversion from Ian Keatley.^[19] In the semi-final, Munster were beaten 27–22 by their French pool 4 opponents Racing 92.^[20]

Munster finished 2nd in Conference A of the 2017–18 Pro14 season on 69 points. In their semi-final qualifier against Edinburgh on 5 May 2018, Munster won 20–16 to progress to a semi-final away from home.^[21] In the semi-final against recently-crowned Champions Cup winners and arch-rivals Leinster on 19 May 2018, Munster lost 16–15, bringing to an end their 2017–18 season.^[22]

Coaching and management staff 2017–18

Position	Name	Nationality
Head coach	Johann van Graan	South Africa
Defence coach	JP Ferreira	South Africa
Backs and attack coach	Felix Jones	Ireland
Forwards coach	Jerry Flannery	Ireland
Team manager	Niall O'Donovan	Ireland
Head of athletic performance	Denis Logan	United States
Senior strength and conditioning coach	Aidan O'Connell	Ireland
Strength and conditioning coach	Adam Sheehan	Ireland
Strength and conditioning coach	PJ Wilson	Ireland
Performance analyst	George Murray	Ireland

Senior playing squad 2017–18

Munster player movements for the 2017–18 season. For a full list, see List of 2017–18 Pro14 transfers.

Players in

Chris Farrell from Grenoble^[23]
JJ Hanrahan from Northampton Saints^[24]
James Hart from Racing 92^[25]
Brian Scott promoted from Academy^[26]
Conor Oliver promoted from Academy^[27]
Bill Johnston promoted from Academy^[28]
Dan Goggin promoted from Academy^[29]
Stephen Fitzgerald promoted from Academy^[30]
Chris Cloete from Southern Kings\ Pumas^[31]
Gerbrandt Grobler from Racing 92^[32]
Ciaran Parker from Sale Sharks^[33]
Mark Flanagan from Saracens (three-month loan)^[34]
Jeremy Loughman from Leinster (three-month contract)^[35]

Players out

The Munster senior squad for 2017–18 is:^[45]

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player	Position	Union
Duncan Casey	Hooker	Ireland
Rhys Marshall	Hooker	New Zealand
Kevin O'Byrne	Hooker	Ireland
Niall Scannell	Hooker	Ireland
Mike Sherry	Hooker	Ireland
Stephen Archer	Prop	Ireland
James Cronin	Prop	Ireland
Dave Kilcoyne	Prop	Ireland
Jeremy Loughman	Prop	Ireland
Ciaran Parker*	Prop	England
John Ryan	Prop	Ireland
Brian Scott	Prop	Ireland
Mark Flanagan	Lock	Ireland
Gerbrandt Grobler	Lock	South Africa
Billy Holland	Lock	Ireland
Jean Kleyn	Lock	South Africa
Darren O'Shea	Lock	Ireland
Chris Cloete	Flanker	South Africa
Dave O'Callaghan	Flanker	Ireland
Tommy O'Donnell	Flanker	Ireland
Conor Oliver	Flanker	Ireland
Peter O'Mahony ( c)	Flanker	Ireland
Robin Copeland	Number 8	Ireland
Jack O'Donoghue	Number 8	Ireland
CJ Stander	Number 8	Ireland

Player	Position	Union
James Hart	Scrum-half	Ireland
Conor Murray	Scrum-half	Ireland
Duncan Williams	Scrum-half	Ireland
Tyler Bleyendaal*	Fly-half	New Zealand
JJ Hanrahan	Fly-half	Ireland
Bill Johnston	Fly-half	Ireland
Ian Keatley	Fly-half	Ireland
Sammy Arnold	Centre	Ireland
Chris Farrell	Centre	Ireland
Dan Goggin	Centre	Ireland
David Johnston	Centre	Ireland
Rory Scannell	Centre	Ireland
Jaco Taute	Centre	South Africa
Andrew Conway	Wing	Ireland
Keith Earls	Wing	Ireland
Ronan O'Mahony	Wing	Ireland
Darren Sweetnam	Wing	Ireland
Alex Wootton	Wing	Ireland
Stephen Fitzgerald	Fullback	Ireland
Simon Zebo	Fullback	Ireland

Internationally capped players in bold.
Players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality. *
Irish provinces are currently limited to four non-Irish eligible (NIE) players and one non-Irish qualified player (NIQ or "Project Player").
Notes:

2017–18 Pro14

2017–18 Pro14 tables

view · watch · · discuss

Conference A

Team

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

PD

TF

TA

TBP

LBP

PTS

1

Glasgow Warriors (SF)

21

15

1

5

614

366

+248

81

38

12

2

76

2

Munster (SF)

21

13

1

7

568

361

+207

78

42

10

5

69

3

Cheetahs (QF)

21

12

0

9

609

554

+55

75

68

10

5

63

4

Cardiff Blues

21

11

0

10

502

482

+20

56

59

5

54

5

Ospreys

21

9

0

12

390

487

−97

44

60

5

3

44

6

Connacht

21

7

0

14

445

477

−32

53

54

5

6

39

7

Zebre

21

7

0

14

408

593

–185

50

78

4

36

Conference B

Team

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

PD

TF

TA

TBP

LBP

PTS

1

Leinster (CH)

21

14

1

6

601

374

+227

83

46

10

2

70

2

Scarlets (RU)

21

14

1

6

528

365

+163

69

43

9

3

70

3

Edinburgh (QF)

21

15

0

6

494

375

+119

62

44

7

1

68

4

Ulster (PO)

21

12

2

7

538

482

+56

68

61

8

2

62

5

Benetton

21

11

0

10

415

451

−36

51

55

6

5

55

6

Dragons

21

2

17

378

672

−294

43

94

4

20

7

Southern Kings

21

1

0

20

378

829

−451

48

119

4

3

11

If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order -^[46]

number of matches won
the difference between points for and points against
the number of tries scored
the most points scored
the difference between tries for and tries against
the fewest red cards received
the fewest yellow cards received

Green background indicates teams that competed in the Pro14 play-offs, and also earned a place in the 2018–19 European Champions Cup
(excluding South African teams who are ineligible)
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Champions Cup, including the winner of the play-off between the two fourth-ranked European teams in each conference
Yellow background indicates the loser of the play-off between the two fourth-ranked European teams in each conference, that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
Plain background indicates teams that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
(CH) Champions. (RU) Runners-up. (SF) Losing semi-finalists. (QF) Losing quarter-finalists. (PO) Champions Cup play-off winners.

Round 1

1 September 2017
19:35

(1 BP) Munster	34–3	Benetton
Try: Kleyn (2) 8' c, 48' c Bleyendaal 13' m Sweetnam 26' m Wootton 30' m Conway 34' m Con: Bleyendaal (2/6) 9', 49'	Report^[47]	Pen: Banks (1/1) 19'

Irish Independent Park
Attendance: 7,854
Referee: Ian Davies ( WRU)

Round 2

9 September 2017
17:15

(1 BP) Munster	51–18	Cheetahs
Try: O'Donnell 6' c Wootton (4) 19' c, 34' m, 54' m, 60' c Kleyn 48' m Farrell 50' c Zebo 71' m Con: Keatley (4/8) 7', 20', 50', 61' Pen: Keatley (1/1) 3'	Report^[48]	Try: Small-Smith 40' m H. Venter 80' c Con: Petzer (1/2) 80'+1 Pen: Petzer (2/2) 15', 24'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 15,144
Referee: Ben Whitehouse ( WRU)

Round 3

16 September 2017
15:15

(1 BP) Ospreys	16–21	Munster
Try: Hook 11' c Con: S. Davies (1/1) 12' Pen: S. Davies (3/3) 43', 56', 63'	Report^[49]	Try: Kleyn 19' c Sweetnam 36' m Con: Bleyendaal (1/2) 20' Pen: Bleyendaal (3/5) 9', 50', 76'

Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 7,302
Referee: Stuart Berry ( SARU)

Round 4

22 September 2017
19:35

(1 BP) Glasgow Warriors	37–10	Munster
Try: Sarto 3' c Jones 35' c Grigg 44' c Cummings 62' c Con: Russell (4/4) 4', 37', 45', 64' Pen: Russell (3/3) 9', 34', 55'	Report^[50]	Try: R. Scannell 14' m Farrell 47' m

Scotstoun Stadium
Attendance: 7,351
Referee: Nigel Owens ( WRU)

Round 5

30 September 2017
13:30

(1 BP) Munster	39–16	Cardiff Blues
Try: Murray 12' c Ryan 51' c Hanrahan (2) 55' c, 71' m Copeland 67' c Con: Keatley (4/5) 13', 52', 56', 68' Pen: Keatley (2/2) 23', 35'	Report^[51]	Try: Turnbull 25' c Con: Evans (1/1) 26' Pen: Evans (3/3) 7', 19', 30'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 13,558
Referee: Quinton Immelman ( SARU)

Round 6

7 October 2017
14:00

Leinster	23–17	Munster (1 BP)
Try: O'Loughlin (2) 16' c, 34' c Con: Sexton (2/2) 17', 35' Pen: Sexton (3/3) 43', 51', 54'	Report^[52]	Try: Keatley 26' c Earls (2) 47' m, 78' m Con: Keatley (1/1) 27'

Aviva Stadium
Attendance: 46,374
Referee: Ben Whitehouse ( WRU)

Round 7

27 October 2017
19:35

Connacht	20–16	Munster (1 BP)
Try: O'Halloran 22' c Farrell 66' c Con: Carty (1/1) 22' Ronaldson (1/1) 67' Pen: Carty (2/3) 39', 50'	Report^[53]	Try: Zebo 3' c Con: Keatley (1/1) 4' Pen: Keatley (2/2) 16', 30' Hanrahan (1/1) 65'

Galway Sportsgrounds
Attendance: 7,089
Referee: Nigel Owens ( WRU)

Round 8

3 November 2017
19:35

(1 BP) Munster	49–6	Dragons
Try: Scannell 20' c Zebo 28' c O'Donoghue 47' c Sweetnam 57' c Arnold (2) 63' c, 77' c O'Byrne 69' c Con: Hanrahan (7/7) 21', 30', 48', 58', 64', 70', 78'	Report^[54]	Pen: O'Brien (2/2) 24', 41'

Irish Independent Park
Attendance: 8,008
Referee: Mike Adamson ( SRU)

Round 9

26 November 2017
14:30

Zebre	19–36	Munster (1 BP)
Try: Bisegni 35' c Sarto 40' c Venditti 68' m Con: Palazzani (2/3) 36', 40'+1	Report^[55]	Try: Scannell 17' c Hart 24' c Wootton (2) 51' m, 55' c Nash 80' c Con: Hanrahan (4/5) 18', 25', 56', 80'+1 Pen: Hanrahan (1/3) 9'

Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
Attendance: 2,500
Referee: Lloyd Linton ( SRU)

Round 10

2 December 2017
17:30

(1 BP) Munster	36–10	Ospreys
Try: Arnold 17' c Sweetnam 22' c Cloete 29' c Scannell 42' c O'Donoghue 55' m Con: Keatley (4/5) 18', 23', 30', 43' Pen: Keatley (1/1) 4'	Report^[56]	Try: Hassler 38' m Jones 70' m

Irish Independent Park
Attendance: 8,008
Referee: Ben Whitehouse ( WRU)

Round 11

26 December 2017
15:15

(1 BP) Munster	24–34	Leinster (1 BP)
Try: Murray 17' m Keatley 45' c Conway (2) 48' c, 76' m Con: Keatley (2/3) 46', 49'	Report^[57]	Try: Leavy 8' c Penalty try 20' Henshaw 22' c Larmour 69' c Con: R. Byrne (3/3) 9', 24', 70' Pen: R. Byrne (2/2) 1', 12'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 26,267
Referee: Nigel Owens ( WRU)

Round 12

1 January 2018
17:35

(1 BP) Ulster	24–17	Munster (1 BP)
Try: Cave 57' c Gilroy (2) 61' m, 73' c Lyttle 79' m Con: Cooney (2/4) 58', 74'	Report^[58]	Try: Scannell (2) 13' m, 24' m Penalty try 33'

Kingspan Stadium
Attendance: 17,594
Referee: Sean Gallagher ( IRFU)

Round 13

6 January 2018
19:45

(1 BP) Munster	39–13	Connacht
Try: O'Shea 19' c Conway 53' c Earls 59' m Murray (2) 63' c, 69' c Con: Keatley (4/5) 20', 54', 64', 70' Pen: Keatley (2/2) 30', 50'	Report^[59]	Try: McCartney 77'c Con: Ronaldson (1/1) 78' Pen: Carty (2/2) 2', 24'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 18,604
Referee: David Wilkinson ( IRFU)

Round 14

10 February 2018
19:35

(1 BP) Munster	33–5	Zebre
Try: Arnold (2) 25' m, 73' c Scott 36' c Copeland 55' c R. Scannell 57' c Con: Hanrahan (1/2) 37' Keatley (3/3) 56', 58', 74'	Report^[60]	Try: Palazzani 52' m

Thomond Park
Attendance: 13,412
Referee: Ben Whitehouse ( WRU)

Round 15

17 February 2018
17:30

Cardiff Blues	25–18	Munster (1 BP)
Try: Cook 18' m L. Williams 23' c Lane 26' c Con: Evans (2/3) 24', 27' Pen: Evans (2/2) 67', 75'	Report^[61]	Try: Cloete 33' m Fitzgerald 52' c Con: Keatley (1/2) 53' Pen: Keatley (1/2) 43' Bleyendaal (1/1) 80'+1

Cardiff Arms Park
Attendance: 6,086
Referee: Stuart Berry ( SARU)

Round 16

23 February 2018
19:00

Munster	21–10	Glasgow Warriors
Try: Scannell 24' c Cronin 48' m Con: Bleyendaal (1/2) 24' Pen: Bleyendaal (3/3) 10', 34', 61'	Report^[62]	Try: Horne 46' c Con: Hastings (1/1) 47' Pen: Hastings (1/1) 42'

Irish Independent Park
Attendance: 8,008
Referee: Marius Mitrea ( FIR)

Round 17

2 March 2018
19:35

Edinburgh	Postponed^[63]	Munster

Murrayfield Stadium
Referee: Ben Whitehouse ( WRU)

Round 17 rescheduled match

16 March 2018
19:35

Edinburgh	12–6	Munster (1 BP)
Try: Van der Merwe (2) 35' m, 56' c Con: Van der Walt (1/2) 57'	Report^[64]	Pen: Hanrahan (2/2) 19', 49'

Murrayfield Stadium
Attendance: 4,089
Referee: Ben Whitehouse ( WRU)

Match rescheduled from 2 March 2018.^[65]

Round 18

24 March 2018
17:30

Munster	19–7	Scarlets
Try: Hart 27' m Copeland 47' c Wootton 77' c Con: Keatley (2/3) 47', 78'	Report^[66]	Try: A. Davies 6' c Con: Patchell (1/1) 7'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 14,215
Referee: Marius Mitrea ( FIR)

Round 19

7 April 2018
18:35

Southern Kings	22–39	Munster
Try: Ntsila 26' c Greef 30' m Makase 74' c Con: Banda (2/3) 28', 75' Pen: Banda (1/1) 35'	Report^[67]	Try: N. Scannell 37' m Nash 40'+3 m Stander 47' c Goggin 53' m Marshall 68' c Kilcoyne 71' c Con: Ian Keatley (3/5) 48', 68', 72' Pen: Ian Keatley (1/1) 16'

Outeniqua Park
Attendance: 6,318
Referee: Lloyd Linton ( SRU)

Round 20

13 April 2018
18:35

(1 BP) Cheetahs	17–19	Munster
Try: Blommetjies 10' c Meyer 28' c Con: Goosen (2/2) 11', 29' Pen: Goosen (1/1) 40'	Report^[68]	Try: Murray 36' c Con: Hanrahan (1/1) 36' Pen: Hanrahan (3/3) 44', 52', 61' Murray (1/1) 65'

Toyota Stadium
Attendance: 6,869
Referee: Mike Adamson ( SRU)

Round 21

28 April 2018
17:35

Munster	24–24	Ulster
Try: Williams 1' c Scott 26' c Copeland 48' c Con: Hanrahan (3/3) 2', 28', 49' Pen: Hanrahan (1/1) 67'	Report^[69]	Try: McCloskey 4' c Best (2) 32' c, 40' c Con: McPhillips (3/3) 5', 34', 40' Pen: McPhillips (1/1) 15'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 16,178
Referee: Ben Whitehouse ( WRU)

Semi-final qualifier

5 May 2018
15:15

Munster	20–16	Edinburgh
Try: Marshall 8' c Earls 42' c Con: Hanrahan (2/2) 9', 43' Pen: Hanrahan (2/3) 51', 72'	Report^[70]	Try: Fowles 58' c Con: Van der Walt (1/1) 59' Pen: Hidalgo-Clyne (3/3) 18', 24', 55'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 10,205
Referee: Nigel Owens ( WRU)

Semi-final

19 May 2018
15:15

Leinster	16–15	Munster
Try: Conan 7' c Con: Carbery (1/1) 7' Pen: Byrne (2/3) 20', 45' Carbery (1/2) 76'	Report^[71]	Try: Earls 43' m Grobler 78' c Con: Keatley (1/1) 78' Pen: Hanrahan (1/2) 18'

RDS Arena
Attendance: 18,930
Referee: Stuart Berry ( SARU)

2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup

Munster faced Racing 92, Leicester Tigers and Castres Olympique in Pool 4 of the 2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup. They were seeded in Tier 1 following their 1st place finish in the regular 2016–17 Pro12 season.^[72]

Team v t e	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	Diff	TF	TA	TB	LB	Pts
Munster (3)	6	4	1	1	167	87	+80	18	8	2	1	21
Racing 92 (7)	6	4	0	2	128	105	+23	14	10	1	2	19
Castres	6	2	1	3	111	161	–50	13	20	2	0	12
Leicester Tigers	6	1	0	5	118	171	–53	12	19	1	2	7

Round 1

15 October 2017
14:00

Castres	17–17	Munster
Try: Ebersohn 12' c Dumora 32' c Con: Urdapilleta (2/2) 13', 33' Pen: Urdapilleta (1/1) 50'	Report^[73]	Try: Zebo 30' c Kilcoyne 46' c Con: Bleyendaal (2/2) 31', 47' Pen: Bleyendaal (1/1) 38'

Stade Pierre-Antoine
Attendance: 9,577
Referee: Matthew Carley ( RFU)

Round 2

21 October 2017
17:30

Munster	14–7	Racing 92 (1 BP)
Try: Murray 60' c Conway 69' c Con: Keatley (2/2) 61', 70'	Report^[74]	Try: Nakarawa 75' c Con: Iribaren (1/1) 76'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 22,054
Referee: JP Doyle ( RFU)

Round 3

9 December 2017
19:45

(1 BP) Munster	33–10	Leicester Tigers
Try: Marshall 19' c Zebo 30' c O'Mahony 55' m Cloete 67' m Con: Keatley (2/4) 20', 31' Pen: Keatley (3/3) 7', 26', 37'	Report^[75]	Try: Thacker 64' c Con: G. Ford (1/1) 65' Pen: G. Ford (1/1) 35'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 25,355
Referee: Jérôme Garcès ( FFR)

Round 4

17 December 2017
17:30

Leicester Tigers	16–25	Munster
Try: Tait 12' c Con: G. Ford (1/1) 13' Pen: G. Ford (3/3) 2', 51', 60'	Report^[76]	Try: Stander 42' c Con: Keatley (1/1) 43' Pen: Keatley (6/7) 10', 23', 33', 39', 72', 77'

Welford Road
Attendance: 23,100
Referee: Mathieu Raynal ( FFR)

Round 5

14 January 2018
15:15

Racing 92	34–30	Munster (1 BP)
Try: Nyanga 2' c Andreu 42' m Szarzewski 64' c Con: Machenaud (2/3) 3', 65' Pen: Machenaud (5/5) 8', 40', 55', 75', 77'	Report^[77]	Try: Kleyn 20' c Earls 45' c Farrell 51' c Con: Keatley (3/3) 21', 46', 51' Pen: Keatley (2/3) 56', 64' Murray (1/3) 74'

Paris La Défense Arena
Attendance: 16,155
Referee: Matthew Carley ( RFU)

Round 6

21 January 2018
16:00

(1 BP) Munster	48–3	Castres
Try: Earls 33' c Marshall 44' c Penalty try 56' Zebo 58' c Wootton 67' c Cronin 80' c Con: Keatley (3/3) 34', 45', 59' Hanrahan (2/2) 68', 80'+1 Pen: Keatley (2/2) 17', 25'	Report^[78]	Pen: Kockott (1/1) 13'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 23,116
Referee: Ben Whitehouse ( WRU)

Quarter-final

31 March 2018
15:15

Munster (3)	20–19	(6) Toulon
Try: Murray 27' c Conway 74' c Con: Keatley (2/2) 28', 75' Pen: Keatley (2/2) 31', 55'	Report^[79]	Try: Ashton 64' c Con: Trinh-Duc (1/1) 65' Pen: Belleau (1/1) 9' Trinh-Duc (2/2) 60', 67' Drop: Belleau (1/1) 18'

Thomond Park
Attendance: 26,265
Referee: Nigel Owens ( WRU)

Semi-final

22 April 2018
15:15

Racing 92 (7)	27–22	(3) Munster
Try: Thomas (2) 4' c, 17' c Machenaud 21' c Con: Machenaud (3/3) 6', 19', 23' Pen: Machenaud (2/3) 26', 42'	Report^[80]	Try: Zebo 62' m Marshall 75' c Conway 80' c Con: Hanrahan (2/3) 76', 80'+1 Pen: Keatley (1/1) 16'

Stade Chaban-Delmas
Attendance: 24,574
Referee: JP Doyle ( RFU)

References

^ "Johann van Graan to join Munster as head coach" (Press release). South African Rugby Union. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
^ "Coaching Team Announcement". Munster Rugby. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
^ "Contract Extensions for Backroom Team". Munster Rugby. 13 June 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
^ "Preseason Win At Sixways". Munster Rugby. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
^ "Munster Off to Flying Start". Munster Rugby. 1 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
^ "Munster Rugby Head Coach Appointment". Munster Rugby. 11 October 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
^ "Zebo to Leave Munster". Munster Rugby. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
^ "Honours Even In Castres". Munster Rugby. 15 October 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
^ "Gutsy Win in Thomond". Munster Rugby. 21 October 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
^ "Munster Bid Farewell To Erasmus & Nienaber". Munster Rugby. 13 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
^ "Squad Update Pre-Zebre". Munster Rugby. 21 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
^ "Bonus-Point Win For Munster In Zebre". Munster Rugby. 26 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
^ "JP Ferreira Confirmed As Defence Coach". Munster Rugby. 14 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
^ "Bonus-Point Win For Munster Over Tigers". Munster Rugby. 9 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
^ "O'Mahony Leads Munster To Famous Win At Welford Road". Munster Rugby. 17 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
^ "Stats & Pics: Season So Far". Munster Rugby. 4 January 2018. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
^ "Narrow Defeat For Munster In Paris". Munster Rugby. 15 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
^ "Complete Performance Secures 17th Quarter-Final Spot". Munster Rugby. 21 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
^ "Conway Magic Topples Toulon". Munster Rugby. 31 March 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
^ "Munster's Champions Cup Dream Ends In Bordeaux". Munster Rugby. 22 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
^ "Munster Into PRO14 Semi-Finals After Edging Out Edinburgh". Munster Rugby. 5 May 2018. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
^ "Munster Lose Semi-Final To Leinster By A Point". Munster Rugby. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
^ "Munster Confirm Latest Signings". Munster Rugby. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
^ "Munster Confirm Latest Signings". Munster Rugby. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
^ "Munster Confirm Latest Signings". Munster Rugby. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
^ "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
^ "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
^ "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
^ "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
^ "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
^ "New Additions Confirmed". Munster Rugby. 7 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
^ "New Additions Confirmed". Munster Rugby. 7 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
^ "Squad Update". Munster Rugby. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
^ "Flanagan Signs Short Term Deal". Munster Rugby. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
^ "Munster A Named to Face Bedford Blues". Munster Rugby. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
^ "Foley To Move On". Munster Rugby. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
^ "Player Contract Update". Munster Rugby. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
^ "Prop Burke Signs Nottingham Deal". Nottingham Rugby. 16 May 2017. Archived from the original on 20 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
^ "Player Contract Update". Munster Rugby. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
^ "Player Contract Update". Munster Rugby. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
^ "C'est déjà la reprise pour nos Séniors: officialisation des premières recrues Bleu & Noir!". RC Messonne (in French). 19 May 2017.
^ "Connacht sign Munster prop". Planet Rugby. 12 June 2017.
^ "Saili signs for Harlequins". Planet Rugby. 21 June 2017. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
^ "Duncan Casey, Medical Joker". FC Grenoble Rugby. 29 January 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
^ "Munster Rugby | 1st Team Squad". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
^ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
^ "First half blitz sees Munster past Benetton Rugby". Pro14. 1 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
^ "Wootton scores four in Munster's second bonus-point victory of the season". Pro14. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
^ "Three victories on the spin for Munster after battling win over Ospreys". Pro14. 16 September 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
^ "Glasgow beat Munster to ascend to the summit". Pro14. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
^ "Classy Munster overcome Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park". Pro14. 30 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
^ "O'Loughlin double gives Leinster victory over Munster". Pro14. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
^ "Farrell leaves it late as Connacht down 14-man Munster". Pro14. 27 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
^ "Hanrahan leads Munster to comfortable win over Dragons". Pro14. 3 November 2017. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
^ "Munster kick off van Graan's reign with victory". Pro14. 26 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
^ "Magnificent Munster reign supreme in Cork". Pro14. 2 December 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
^ "Leinster hold off Munster comeback to secure derby-day spoils". Pro14. 26 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
^ "Ulster fightback stuns Munster at the Kingspan". Pro14. 1 January 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
^ "Munster get back to winning ways with big win over Connacht". Pro14. 6 January 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
^ "Five-star Munster down Zebre". Pro14. 10 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
^ "Cardiff Blues weather a Munster storm". Pro14. 17 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
^ "Classy Munster ruin Glasgow stalwarts big day". Pro14. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
^ "Edinburgh v Munster Postponed". Munster Rugby. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
^ "Duhan's double fires Edinburgh to win over Munster". Pro14. 16 March 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
^ "Fixture Date Confirmed for Edinburgh v Munster". Munster Rugby. 2 March 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
^ "Wootton seals win as Munster come from behind to beat Scarlets at Thomond Park". Pro14. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
^ "Munster fight back to beat Southern Kings". Pro14. 7 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
^ "Replacement Murray inspires Munster to comeback win over Cheetahs". Pro14. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
^ "Best double not enough as Ulster held to Munster draw". Pro14. 28 April 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
^ "Departing Zebo inspires Munster into Guinness PRO14 Semi-Finals". Pro14. 5 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
^ "Leinster dramatically hold off Munster to maintain double hopes". Pro14. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
^ "Familiar Look To Champions Cup Pool Draw". Munster Rugby. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
^ "Castres Olympique 17 Munster Rugby 17". EPCR. 15 October 2017. Archived from the original on 18 November 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
^ "Munster Rugby 14 Racing 92 7". EPCR. 21 October 2017. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
^ "Munster Rugby 33 Leicester Tigers 10". EPCR. 9 December 2017. Archived from the original on 18 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
^ "Leicester Tigers 16 Munster Rugby 25". EPCR. 17 December 2017. Archived from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
^ "Racing 92 34 Munster Rugby 30". EPCR. 14 January 2018. Archived from the original on 15 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
^ "Munster Rugby 48 Castres Olympique 3". EPCR. 21 January 2018. Archived from the original on 23 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
^ "Munster topple Toulon in Thomond Park thriller". EPCR. 31 March 2018. Archived from the original on 1 April 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
^ "Racing 92 into Champions Cup final after victory over Munster". EPCR. 22 April 2018. Archived from the original on 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.

External links

[Johann_van_Graan_to_join_Munster_as_head_coach-1] "Johann van Graan to join Munster as head coach" (Press release). South African Rugby Union. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.

[2] "Coaching Team Announcement". Munster Rugby. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2017.

[3] "Contract Extensions for Backroom Team". Munster Rugby. 13 June 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2017.

[4] "Preseason Win At Sixways". Munster Rugby. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.

[5] "Munster Off to Flying Start". Munster Rugby. 1 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.

[6] "Munster Rugby Head Coach Appointment". Munster Rugby. 11 October 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2017.

[7] "Zebo to Leave Munster". Munster Rugby. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.

[8] "Honours Even In Castres". Munster Rugby. 15 October 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.

[9] "Gutsy Win in Thomond". Munster Rugby. 21 October 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.

[10] "Munster Bid Farewell To Erasmus & Nienaber". Munster Rugby. 13 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.

[11] "Squad Update Pre-Zebre". Munster Rugby. 21 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.

[12] "Bonus-Point Win For Munster In Zebre". Munster Rugby. 26 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.

[13] "JP Ferreira Confirmed As Defence Coach". Munster Rugby. 14 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.

[14] "Bonus-Point Win For Munster Over Tigers". Munster Rugby. 9 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.

[15] "O'Mahony Leads Munster To Famous Win At Welford Road". Munster Rugby. 17 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.

[16] "Stats & Pics: Season So Far". Munster Rugby. 4 January 2018. Retrieved 5 January 2017.

[17] "Narrow Defeat For Munster In Paris". Munster Rugby. 15 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.

[18] "Complete Performance Secures 17th Quarter-Final Spot". Munster Rugby. 21 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.

[19] "Conway Magic Topples Toulon". Munster Rugby. 31 March 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.

[20] "Munster's Champions Cup Dream Ends In Bordeaux". Munster Rugby. 22 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.

[21] "Munster Into PRO14 Semi-Finals After Edging Out Edinburgh". Munster Rugby. 5 May 2018. Retrieved 6 May 2018.

[22] "Munster Lose Semi-Final To Leinster By A Point". Munster Rugby. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.

[23] "Munster Confirm Latest Signings". Munster Rugby. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.

[24] "Munster Confirm Latest Signings". Munster Rugby. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.

[25] "Munster Confirm Latest Signings". Munster Rugby. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.

[26] "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.

[27] "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.

[28] "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.

[29] "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.

[30] "Five Academy Players Promoted to Senior Ranks". Munster Rugby. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.

[31] "New Additions Confirmed". Munster Rugby. 7 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017.

[32] "New Additions Confirmed". Munster Rugby. 7 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017.

[33] "Squad Update". Munster Rugby. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.

[34] "Flanagan Signs Short Term Deal". Munster Rugby. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.

[35] "Munster A Named to Face Bedford Blues". Munster Rugby. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2017.

[36] "Foley To Move On". Munster Rugby. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.

[37] "Player Contract Update". Munster Rugby. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.

[38] "Prop Burke Signs Nottingham Deal". Nottingham Rugby. 16 May 2017. Archived from the original on 20 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.

[39] "Player Contract Update". Munster Rugby. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.

[40] "Player Contract Update". Munster Rugby. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.

[41] "C'est déjà la reprise pour nos Séniors: officialisation des premières recrues Bleu & Noir!". RC Messonne (in French). 19 May 2017.

[42] "Connacht sign Munster prop". Planet Rugby. 12 June 2017.

[43] "Saili signs for Harlequins". Planet Rugby. 21 June 2017. Retrieved 21 June 2017.

[44] "Duncan Casey, Medical Joker". FC Grenoble Rugby. 29 January 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2018.

[Munster_Rugby_|_1st_Team_Squad-45] "Munster Rugby | 1st Team Squad". Munster Rugby. Retrieved 23 August 2017.

[46] Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 13 November 2013.

[47] "First half blitz sees Munster past Benetton Rugby". Pro14. 1 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.

[48] "Wootton scores four in Munster's second bonus-point victory of the season". Pro14. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2017.

[49] "Three victories on the spin for Munster after battling win over Ospreys". Pro14. 16 September 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2017.

[50] "Glasgow beat Munster to ascend to the summit". Pro14. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 23 September 2017.

[51] "Classy Munster overcome Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park". Pro14. 30 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.

[52] "O'Loughlin double gives Leinster victory over Munster". Pro14. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.

[53] "Farrell leaves it late as Connacht down 14-man Munster". Pro14. 27 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.

[54] "Hanrahan leads Munster to comfortable win over Dragons". Pro14. 3 November 2017. Retrieved 4 November 2017.

[55] "Munster kick off van Graan's reign with victory". Pro14. 26 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.

[56] "Magnificent Munster reign supreme in Cork". Pro14. 2 December 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2017.

[57] "Leinster hold off Munster comeback to secure derby-day spoils". Pro14. 26 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.

[58] "Ulster fightback stuns Munster at the Kingspan". Pro14. 1 January 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2018.

[59] "Munster get back to winning ways with big win over Connacht". Pro14. 6 January 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2018.

[60] "Five-star Munster down Zebre". Pro14. 10 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.

[61] "Cardiff Blues weather a Munster storm". Pro14. 17 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018.

[62] "Classy Munster ruin Glasgow stalwarts big day". Pro14. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2018.

[63] "Edinburgh v Munster Postponed". Munster Rugby. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.

[64] "Duhan's double fires Edinburgh to win over Munster". Pro14. 16 March 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2018.

[65] "Fixture Date Confirmed for Edinburgh v Munster". Munster Rugby. 2 March 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.

[66] "Wootton seals win as Munster come from behind to beat Scarlets at Thomond Park". Pro14. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.

[67] "Munster fight back to beat Southern Kings". Pro14. 7 April 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2018.

[68] "Replacement Murray inspires Munster to comeback win over Cheetahs". Pro14. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.

[69] "Best double not enough as Ulster held to Munster draw". Pro14. 28 April 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2018.

[70] "Departing Zebo inspires Munster into Guinness PRO14 Semi-Finals". Pro14. 5 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.

[71] "Leinster dramatically hold off Munster to maintain double hopes". Pro14. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.

[72] "Familiar Look To Champions Cup Pool Draw". Munster Rugby. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.

[73] "Castres Olympique 17 Munster Rugby 17". EPCR. 15 October 2017. Archived from the original on 18 November 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.

[74] "Munster Rugby 14 Racing 92 7". EPCR. 21 October 2017. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.

[75] "Munster Rugby 33 Leicester Tigers 10". EPCR. 9 December 2017. Archived from the original on 18 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.

[76] "Leicester Tigers 16 Munster Rugby 25". EPCR. 17 December 2017. Archived from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.

[77] "Racing 92 34 Munster Rugby 30". EPCR. 14 January 2018. Archived from the original on 15 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.

[78] "Munster Rugby 48 Castres Olympique 3". EPCR. 21 January 2018. Archived from the original on 23 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.

[79] "Munster topple Toulon in Thomond Park thriller". EPCR. 31 March 2018. Archived from the original on 1 April 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.

[80] "Racing 92 into Champions Cup final after victory over Munster". EPCR. 22 April 2018. Archived from the original on 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.

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