Two-time world cup winner RG Snyman put in a monster performance in his first home match for Munster since winning the World Cup in France last year as the Red Army dazzled the crowd at Musgrave Park with a 45-29 win over Zebre.
The towering Springbok has been out after having shoulder/chest surgery after winning the World Cup last October. He made his return a couple weeks ago in Munster's away win against the Scarlets but this was his first outing in front of the Munster faithful since his successful World Cup campaign.
It didn't take long for Snyman to get involved as a dominant carry followed by an exquisite offload from the big man gave Ruadhan Quinn the first try of the match after 5 minutes.
🎓 @AHS1920 will be proud of THAT delicious RG Snyman offload 😍#BKTURC #URC | #OriginRound #GrassrootsToGreatness | #MUNvZEB pic.twitter.com/fMuBekNUxJ
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) March 1, 2024
Mike Haley added a second a few minutes later after a gliding run through the middle of the Zebre defence. The Italians came back into it through a well worked try from Muhamed Hasa and a penalty kick to make it 12-10.
However a try from Snyman himself sparked a strong end to the half for Munster. Snyman used his size and power to turn through the defenders and plant the ball down one handed to put Munster back into the ascendency.
RG Snyman scoring his second Munster try of his career and first of the season.#SaffasAbroad | #URC pic.twitter.com/xSRVVZg0Pd
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) March 2, 2024
Sean O'Brien and Antoine Frisch added their own scores to give Munster a commanding 33-10 lead heading into the halftime break. Ruadhan Quinn added his second try of the night just before the hour mark as Munster looked to have things all wrapped up.
Zebre sparked a comeback however, scoring three unanswered tries over 15 minutes through Thomas Dominguez, Geronimo Prisciantelli and Dylan de Leeuw to bring the score back to 40-29. However a try for Shane Daly in the closing stages put things to bed and Munster finished off 45-10 winners.
This match was also significant as it marked the first game for Snyman since it was announced he will move to provincial rivals Leinster in the summer. Snyman hasn't seen the field as much as people would want during his time in Munster due to injury and the move to Leinster left a sour taste in people's mouths.
The win puts Munster back in play-off contention, climbing up to fifth. Their next match in the URC comes on Friday 22nd March when they travel to Swansea to face Ospreys.
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