Munster produced a thrilling second half display as they cruised to a comfortable 51-22 win against Benetton at Musgrave Park in the United Rugby Championship.

Munster were in imperious form as they scored 24 unanswered points in the second half to take the game away from a rugged Benetton team. The visitors, who were much improved from their defeat to Leinster three weeks ago, were better than what the scoreline suggested.

The hosts looked to be struggling as Benetton reduced the deficit to 27-15 early in the second half, but that proved to be as close as it got as Munster shifted into gear to claim their 15th straight win at Musgrave Park.

Tries from Matt Gallagher, Craig Casey, Simon Zebo, Gavin Coombes, Jack O’Sullivan and Damien De Allende proved to be enough as Munster clinched a crucial bonus point win ahead of their date with Leinster next weekend.

Outside half Ben Healy played a pivotal role for the hosts as he slotted over nine attempts on goal to finish with 21 points on the evening. Healy got his evening started with a quick penalty in the opening ten minutes.

The hosts picked up from there as Matt Gallagher raced in for his fifth try in Munster colours, before Benetton’s Rhyno Smith cut the deficit to 10-3 minutes later.

Van Graan’s team bounced back strongly as Craig Casey added the hosts’ second of the evening to make it 17-3. However, Benetton had the last laugh as a delightful chip from Ratuva Tatvuyara found Smith in the corner for the visitors' opening try to reduce the lead to seven at the break. 

However, the hosts weren’t to be denied as Healy stretched the lead out to 10 once again, before Zebo added the team’s third try moments later to give Munster a comfortable 27-10 advantage. 

Despite the deficit, Benetton, who haven’t won since defeating Zebre on Christmas Eve continued to claw back as fly-half Giacomo Da Re ran in for a try. 

That proved to be as close as the visitors got, as tries from Coombes, O’Sullivan and De Allende took the game away from the Italian outfit.

However, Benetton had the last laugh as Northampton Saints bound scrum-half Callum Brailey added a late consolation to make it 51-22. But it wasn’t enough as Munster clinched their 14th straight win against the Italian side. 

Despite the win, Munster failed to come away unscathed as Simon Zebo was forced off early, after the former Irish international was replaced with 10 minutes remaining for a HIA. The hosts will be keeping a close eye on the winger ahead of next weekend’s date against Leinster.