Munster Rugby sent out a powerful message to their BKT United Rugby Championship rivals with a commanding 31–14 bonus-point victory over Leinster Rugby before 51,859 spectators at Croke Park on Saturday.
The result — built on four tries, relentless defence, and clinical execution — keeps Munster unbeaten after four rounds of the season and firmly among the early pacesetters.
Head coach Clayton McMillan, in his first outing at the iconic Dublin venue, was full of praise for his side’s intensity and attitude.
“It was an incredible experience to come here,” said the former Chiefs coach. “We talked about honouring the legacy of this stadium and showing fight in everything we did — and the lads delivered that. We worked hard for each other, stayed relentless, and showed real physicality. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Fly-half Jack Crowley, who steered the attack masterfully and added four kicks from the tee, was named Player of the Match.
“It’s never about one person,” he said. “It’s about sticking to the plan, backing the work we’ve done all week, and delivering together. I’m proud of how the group fronted up.”
Munster’s win keeps them second on the URC table, level on points with leaders DHL Stormers and third-placed Ulster, who also recorded away wins over the weekend.
Stormers and Ulster Stay Perfect
The DHL Stormers maintained their top spot with a 31–13 victory over Zebre Parma in Italy. Springboks fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starred with two tries and a total of 16 points in a confident display.
In Durban, Ulster Rugby earned a statement 34–26 bonus-point win against a powerful Hollywoodbets Sharks side. Despite the hosts fielding World Cup winners Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, and Makazole Mapimpi, Ulster ran in four tries to seal victory.
Head coach Richie Murphy praised his team’s resilience, saying, “To come here, score four tries, and take five points against a team of that calibre says a lot about our character. We’ve shown the type of team we want to be — hard-working, committed, and united.”
The Sharks endured a frustrating evening, playing part of the game with 13 men after Mapimpi’s red card and Vincent Koch’s yellow, and remain winless this season.
Bulls Edge Connacht in Galway Thriller
In one of the weekend’s most dramatic matches, the Vodacom Bulls edged Connacht Rugby 28–27 in Galway. Ireland winger Mack Hansen scored a late try to give the hosts a chance to win it, but replacement Sean Naughton’s conversion missed — twice — after a retake was ordered for early encroachment by Bulls players.
Bulls coach Johann Ackermann reflected on a hard-fought win, saying, “It was a real rollercoaster, but the guys showed composure and effort throughout. These tight away wins build belief and momentum.”
Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster was upbeat despite defeat, saying, “We showed great fight and spirit. There are fixes to make, but I’m proud of how we competed against one of the best teams in the competition.”
Edinburgh and Lions Secure First Wins
Edinburgh Rugby recorded their first victory of the season in style, shutting out Benetton Rugby 43–0 at the Hive Stadium. The hosts ran in seven tries, delighting head coach Sean Everitt, who said the performance was a “perfect response” after two narrow away defeats.
Skipper Grant Gilchrist added, “We needed this result. The lads stood up, and now we have to build consistency going forward.”
In Johannesburg, the Lions broke their winless run with a 29–18 triumph over the Scarlets, helped by two late tries from replacement hooker Morne Brandon. The result lifted the Lions off the bottom of the table, while the Scarlets remain without a win.
Cardiff Extend Dominance Over Dragons
Cardiff Rugby continued their strong start to the season with a 24–17 win against Dragons RFC in the East Wales derby at Rodney Parade. It was Cardiff’s 21st straight league victory over their rivals, a run dating back to 2014.
Interim head coach Corniel van Zyl — who has guided Cardiff to three wins from four matches — was delighted with his team’s effort, saying, “It’s a privilege to lead this group. Winning makes it easier, but what stands out is the effort and character. Derbies always have extra spice, so we’re happy to come out on top.”
Flanker Alex Mann earned Player of the Match honours, while Taulupe Faletau made his first appearance of the season after injury.
Glasgow Keep Up the Pace
Glasgow Warriors remain third on the table after a convincing 42–17 win away to Ospreys in Bridgend. Scrum-half Jamie Dobie scored twice as the Warriors ran in six tries to claim maximum points and stay within touching distance of the leaders.
Round 4 Results
Munster Rugby 31–14 Leinster Rugby
DHL Stormers 31–13 Zebre Parma
Ulster Rugby 34–26 Hollywoodbets Sharks
Vodacom Bulls 28–27 Connacht Rugby
Glasgow Warriors 42–17 Ospreys
Cardiff Rugby 24–17 Dragons RFC
Edinburgh Rugby 43–0 Benetton Rugby
Lions 29–18 Scarlets
English