Munster secure semi spot
Munster sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup with a thrilling 42-37 victory over Brive.
Last Updated: 09/04/11 5:49pm
Munster sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup with a thrilling 42-37 victory over Brive at Stadium Municipal Amedee Domenech.
Keith Earls and Doug Howlett bagged two tries apiece and Peter Stringer also crossed to secure a dramatic win for the Irish province.
The former Heineken Cup champions will now face Harlequins for a place in the final.
Brive, who were leading 20-19 at half-time, more than played their part in a entertaining clash with lock Retief Uys, centre Fabrice Estebanez, winger Alexis Palisson and replacement centre Shaun Perry all crossing.
Munster grabbed an early lead when Howlett touched down in the first minute. The visitors were playing exciting rugby and moved further ahead when Earls scored three minutes later.
Impressive
Brive, however, were sparked into life and Uys and Estebanez both scored to add to Mathieu Belie's earlier penalty to put the hosts ahead.
Howlett scored his second on the counter before Belie added another penalty to give Brive a slender lead at the interval.
Belie extended his side's lead just after the break but it was Munster through the combination of Howlett and Earls who struck next.
Howlett ripped through the defence and gave Earls the easiest of run-ins to the corner. Ronan O'Gara converted and was lining up another effort four minutes later after scrum-half Stringer grabbed a loose ball to score, just moments after coming on.
Stringer's try gave Munster the edge and three O'Gara penalties without reply looked to have taken them out of sight.
But just when Brive needed a score, the impressive Alexis Palisson grabbed an interception try. Belie converted, reducing the deficit to 12.
Shaun Perry, a late replacement for Brive scored a try at the death to set up a grandstand finish but Munster held on and move through to the last four.
