Munster retake top spot

Munster have retaken top spot in the Magners League after scoring a hard-fought 20-9 victory against the Dragons at a wet Rodney Parade.

The visitors gave a typical Munster performance: scoring the game's two tries at vital time while also producing a strong defensive effort to overcome the loss of Alan Quinlan and Darragh Hurley to the sin-bin in the second half.

The Dragons had their chances but were ultimately guilty of poor ball retention and were also devoid of attacking ideas in the difficult conditions.

They lost 50-6 in Cork in September and, against a much-weakened Munster side, were hoping for better fortunes this time.

The visitors were without nine first-choice players, including Ronan O'Gara, Paul O'Connell and Doug Howlett.

In contrast, the Dragons were able to include prop Rhys Thomas, who is set to line up for Wales next Saturday in Italy.

Munster took an early lead when Jason Tovey conceded a penalty which O'Gara's stand-in, Paul Warwick, kicked.

James Arlidge brought the scores level with a simple penalty before Munster scored the try of the game.

They spun the ball along the three-quarter line before Dennis Hurley burst forward to send wing Ciaran O'Boyle on a 20-metre unopposed run.

Warwick converted from near the touchline and also kicked a penalty to give Munster a 10-point lead after 23 minutes.

Arlidge reduced the arrears with another penalty but immediately on doing so Richard Parks was sin-binned for a deliberate offside.

Rhys Thomas was lucky not to follow him for taking out an opponent minutes later but, surprisingly, Warwick was unable to take advantage.

He missed both of the resulting penalties, the second of which - the last kick of the first half - was a virtual sitter.

The Dragons had much the better of the opening quarter of the second half and, with Parks returning and two Munster-men sent to the bin, they should have capitalised.

Arlidge missed a very kickable penalty and Tom Willis was denied a try as he was forced into the corner flag.

However, Arlidge did manage to reduce the arrears to 13-9 with 15 minutes to go - the Dragons at this stage appearing to have every chance of overhauling Munster.

But, with Arlidge's charged down clearance kick leading to a scrum and then a drive, enough space was created for replacement Anthony Horgan to dive over in the corner, Warwick converting.