Munster were able to rack up a bonus-point victory against Scarlets at Thomond Park but it was another disjointed and error-strewn URC display from the 2023 champions.
Munster, without their Ireland internationals, thought they had taken the lead through Tom Ahern after a lineout maul but a TMO intervention rightly chalked off the score for knock-on in the build-up.
It was Scarlets who took the lead from the kicking tee, but jeers rang out around the Limerick venue after a questionable clear-out on Oli Jager was not punished after a review.
Munster did strike the first try, Shay McCarthy - who had replaced the injured Diarmuid Kilgallen - running a good line to break the opposition defence. Billy Burns added the extras.
Gavin Coombes added the bonus-point thanks to the second of his two tries with Alex Kendellen and Tom Farrell also crossing over in a 29-8 win.
Full-time: Munster 29-8 Scarlets
Gavin Coombes dived over from close range to seal a bonus-point win for the hosts #URC pic.twitter.com/WmPeN3oyXM— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 15, 2025
Donncha O'Callaghan tore into Munster display
The second-half performance was a marked improvement from Munster, after they faltered in the opening 40 minutes and club legend Donncha O'Callaghan pulled no punches in his assessment of what he had seen.
Speaking at half-time while on punditry duty for RTÉ, the former second-row claimed that the rugby on display - from what he reiterated were professional players - was below school's rugby standard.
They have been absolutely appalling. You can't not bring energy here and they have had none of it," he said.
"Fair play to Shay McCarthy, we are chatting about energy... this guy has come on and he is the only one bringing a little bit of it and he does brilliant for his finish.
"You'd expect an awful lot more from this standard. We are chatting about professional playes here, these lads aren't just training on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
"If anyone is watching school's rugby at the moment it is better than the standard that is out there. It is not good enough."
Scathing stuff from the two-time Heineken Cup winner.
His comments, it must be said, are also an endorsement of the quality that has been on display in the Leinster Senior Cup of late, with public school St Fintan's recently claiming a stunning win.
