Craig Casey was the standout player as Munster powered past a youthful Gloucester team with a 31-3 victory in their Champions Cup fixture at Cork. After a scrappy and error-filled opening half that saw the two sides locked at 7-3, Munster’s dominance fully emerged after halftime.
The hosts, two-time champions, opened their 2025/26 campaign emphatically, scoring five tries in the second half to claim the full five points. Dan Kelly provided the early spark for Gloucester with a try in the 21st minute, but Munster’s scrum-half Casey soon took control, orchestrating an impressive attacking display.
Munster’s try scorers included Mike Haley, Ruadhan Quinn, Tom Farrell, and Tadhg Beirne, who all contributed to the turnaround. The match was also influenced by disciplinary actions against Gloucester, with Jamal Ford-Robinson and Caio James both receiving yellow cards for infringements—Ford-Robinson for a dangerous clear-out and James for playing off his feet—each reducing Gloucester’s ability to compete.
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This victory was exactly the response Munster needed following a heavy 40-14 loss to Bath in their first game, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back in the competition.