It promised fireworks and it certainly delivered. Munster and Leinster met in a blockbuster derby clash that saw Leinster receive two separate yellow cards and a red in the first half alone.
For Munster, concern remains for Chris Cloete who was forced to leave the field injured after a head-high clear-out from Irish prop Tadhg Furlong. It meant that both Leinster prop forwards spent time in the bin during the opening 40 as Cian Healy was also shown a yellow for a high tackle.
Then, referee Frank Murphy was forced to take drastic action after Leinster winger James Lowe took out an airborne Andrew Conway.
32: RED CARD!
James Lowe sent off at Thomond Park. Leinster are down to 14.
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The first half came with numerous flashpoints. Johnny Sexton reacted angrily to an early tackle and received a warning for it before later pulling Munster outhalf Joey Carbery to the floor during another melee.
Johnny re-introduces himself to Joey at Thomond Park ??#MUNvLEI #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/Q9NY8BMSNR
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03: Early warning for Johnny Sexton at Thomond Park.
The Munster fans aren't happy, but the 'correct call' says Stephen Ferris.
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Leinster's indiscipline continued and five minutes before half-time referee Frank Murphy called Sexton over and asked him to "have a word with your team, please. We just can not see any more of it."
