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Rugby Union

Munster survive huge scare to beat Irish minnows

10/10/2008

Munster began their defence of their Heineken Cup crown with a last-gasp 19-17 win over Montauban at Thomond Park.

The home side led 10-3 at the break thanks to a try from Barry Murphy on 37 minutes which was converted by Ronan O'Gara, who had earlier booted over a penalty.

But Montauban launched a stunning fightback in the second half with Petre Mitu kicking over his third penalty to reduce their deficit. And the Irish side scored a tty of their own on 56 minutes when Sylvain Jonnet bulldozed over the line, with Mitu adding the extras to level the scores.

O'Gara's third penalty on 65 minutes gave Munster some breathing space before Montauban were in dreamland when Mitu's penalty five minutes from time gave them a 17-16 lead.

Bur O'Gara broke their hearts two minutes later when he coolly slotted over another penalty to spare the reigning champions' blushes in Pool One.

Elsewhere, Perpignan began their European campaign with a 27-16 win over Treviso at the Stade Aimé Giral.

The French side were led to victory by a penalty try and Jerome Porical and Jean-Philippe Grandclaude touching down. Porical also booted over three conversions while David Mele kicked two drop goals.

Treviso, who trailed 17-13 at the break, scored all their points in the first half. Emiliano Mulieri crashed over on 12 minutes which was converted by Andrea Marcato, who also slotted over two penalties.

The win sees Perpignan top pool three ahead of next Saturday’s clash with Ospreys in Wales.