18-year-old Ruadhan Quinn made history as the youngest player to play for Munster in a 21-5 victory over Zebre in Musgrave Park.
In a mixed night for Munster, youth was a theme across the squad, with Conor Philips making his debut in the right wing and Patrick Campbell on the left, while second row Edwin Edogbo came on for his home debut in the second half.
While Munster haven't scored in the second half, 18-year-old Ruadhan Quinn has made some history, coming on to become the youngest player to play for the province @RTE2 @RTEplayer #MUNvZEB #rterugby #URC
📱 Updates - https://t.co/tosdNmivbN
📺 Watch - https://t.co/mQ6SwzbNla pic.twitter.com/to9RssUplq— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) October 1, 2022
The debut of Quinn - who hails from Limerick, won the Munster Cup th]is year with Crescent College and had a cracking try in the preseason - was one of the highlights of the night for Munster.
However, Graham Rowntree will be disappointed to leave the game without a bonus point, despite winning their first game of the season.
READ HERE: Donnacha O'Callaghan Says Munster Players Can't Use Coaching Excuse After Dragons Loss
Munster started the game strong and looked to have improved their set piece, as their maul gave Zebre problems early with Niall Scannell going over for a try eight minutes in after a TMO review.
Munster’s maul was their weapon of choice in the first half, with another try from Niall Scannell and Keynan Knox put Munster 21-0 up after 25 minutes.
Shortly after Munster had a try overturned via the TMO, Niall Scannell got his second of the game as the province build a 21-0 lead against Zebre @RTE2 @RTEplayer #MUNvZEB #rterugby #URC
📱 Updates - https://t.co/tosdNmivbN
📺 Watch - https://t.co/mQ6SwzbNla pic.twitter.com/86qECcFpv8— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) October 1, 2022
While they pushed for the bonus point before half time, the Italian side defended strongly as Munster went into the interval with a 21-0 lead.
In a second half that lacked moments of real quality, it was Zebre who struck the only score of the half through a well taken try from Lorenzo Pani, via a fortunate bounce.
Zebre have scored the first try of the second half against Munster via Lorenzo Pani @RTE2 @RTEplayer #MUNvZEB #rterugby #URC
📱 Updates - https://t.co/tosdNmivbN
📺 Watch - https://t.co/mQ6SwzbNla pic.twitter.com/Fl9OlSnYo7— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) October 1, 2022
While Quinn made some excellent carries alongside Edogbo when they came on, and Peter O'Mahony delivered a man of the match performance, it was another day of unforced errors, inaccuracy and a backline that just haven’t clicked yet for Munster this season.
It was the second game in a row that Munster failed to score in the second half, and with the league looking more competitive than any other season, failure to get a bonus point this season could cost them come May.
Life doesn’t get any easier for Munster, who face Connacht in a must win game for both sides at the Sportsground, before facing the Bulls, Leinster and Ulster.
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