This was the third December in a row that the two sides have met each other in back-to-back pool games. Last year Munster sent Leicester Tigers packing with a 38-0 victory in Thomand Park.
This was Johann Van Grann's first European game as Munster's head coach and he was boosted by the return of five Irish internationals, Peter O'Mahony, CJ Stander, Dave Kilcoyne, Conor Murray and Andrew Conway all returned to the starting 15 and their return had a huge effect, as Munster blew away a disappointing Tigers side, now coached by former Leinster head coach, Matt O'Connor.
Hooker Rhys Marshall set Munster on their way touching down after 20 minutes running onto a Conor Murray pass inside the Tigers 22'.
The moment of the match came midway through the first half when Ian Keatley's deft kick found the on-running Simon Zebo inside the Tigers 22' unopposed and put Munster 20-0 ahead.
Peter O'Mahoney and Chris Cloete touched down in the second half to secure Munster 33-10 victory and a vital bonus point to put them top of Pool D ahead of French outfit Castres in second place.
The Munster player ratings below:
15. Simon Zebo - 8
Munster's star attraction is constantly looking to attack and, or, make something happen. Linking up superbly with Keatley for his try. The celebration was Simon Zebo - esque. A great performance.
14. Andrew Conway - 7
His acceleration is frightening, Conway almost ran the length of the field for a try from a Munster turnover. He own's the space when contesting the kick chase. Although he substituted at the start of the second half after a clash of head's. Another consistent performance.
13. Sam Arnold - 8
With Chris Farrell out injured Sam Arnold was given the task to be the creative playmaker in the outside channel. Earning a turnover early in the first half when jumping to his feet after the tackle he made. It was only his fifth appearance in a Munster jersey, but definitely one to watch in the future.
12. Rory Scannell - 7
Munster's most underrated player. He is knocking on the door for an Irish call up, he kicks, passes, run's and tackles to a consistently high level. A solid outing today.
11. Alex Wootton - 7
Alex Wootton was rewarded for his impressive recent form with a start on the left wing, he had to work hard to get his hands on the ball. Looking dangerous every time he got his hands on it. A good learning curve.
10. Ian Keatley - 8
The vision for Simon Zebo's try was magnificent, pin point accuracy from the Munster out half to set up the try. His kicking was flawless, apart from one missed kicked from the tee, but he quietly went about his business and controlled the game.
9. Conor Murray - 8
Ireland's first choice scrum half was in the groove tonight, controlling and dictating Munster's play. His box kicking was as precise as ever. It was his pass to Marshall which led to Munster's opening try. World class.
1. David Kilcoyne - 7
The UL Bohemians man level's of consistency has gone up 10 fold this season. Thrives taking the ball into contact, and did so with tremendous effect on several occasions. Pushing hard for an Ireland place surely.
2. Rhys Marshall - 8
Beautiful kept a ball in play that looked certain for touch. Scored Munster's opening try from a Conor Murray pass, although he nearly forgot the ball before running over the try line. Line-out throwing was flawless. Excellent game.
3. Stephen Archer - 6
Decent outing for Archer, no penalties conceded, and no tackles missed but Leicester did upset Munster's scrum on a couple of occasions. Possibly an area to work on.
4. Jean Kleyn - 6
The South African lock didn't have a particularly poor game but he didn't have a great match. A couple of missed tackles and a couple of penalties conceded including one turnover. Plenty to work on.
5. Billy Holland - 8
Nothing spectacular about Holland's performance other than being Munster's go to man in the line-out. It was his catch that allowed Munster to set up the rolling maul and secure a bonus point with 10 minutes remaining.
6. Peter O'Mahoney (c) - 8
All the speculation about his future had absolutely no impact on the Munster captain's performance. Phenomenal work at the break down, he had one turnover midway through the first half which almost lead to a try, he did however touch down in the corner midway through the second half. The IRFU need to sign him up.
7. Chris Cloete - 8
There is no doubting that Cloete will become a folk hero within Munster Rugby. His work rate, tackling and harrying at the breakdown was superb. No opportunistic try this weekend, instead he held up Leicester for a maul when Munster's defence was fractured. He was awarded Munster's fourth try (inconclusive).
8. CJ Stander - 7
The Munster number eight loves the contact, loves carrying the ball, however in an ideal world, it would be refreshing to see him vary his play into contact. All that being said, he ran 68 metres with the ball. A professional performance.
Substitutes - 6
Apart from Sweetnam's pass to O'Mahoney for Munster's third try, the substitutes had very little do as the game was effectively. Leicester offered very little in attack or defence. JJ Hanrahan had one good cover run, avoiding a Tigers try.
