Connacht returned back to winning ways in the United Rugby Championship, a second half Bundee Aki try converted by substitute Conor Fitzgerald, gave them a 10-8 win over Munster at the Sportsground this evening.

Munster had controlled the opening half, Andrew Conway crossing for their opening try on the 22nd minute, as Jack Carty and Ben Healy both exchanged penalties, giving the Southern province a 8-3 half time lead.

Carty was forced off before the break and is a major blow for his team, but they dug deep and worked well to cross for their try near the hour mark, Fitzgerald landing the all important conversion against a stiff breeze.

Carty kicked the opening score of the game in the 15th minute, the fly half making no mistakes from the tee to give them a 3-0 lead. His counterpart Healy levelled from the tee just two minutes later, with a penalty of his own.

Munster got the opening try in the 22nd minute, Healy blocked a Mack Hansen kick, Shane Daly failed to bring it under control but Andrew Conway managed to touch down for the try.

Oisín Dowling was shown a yellow card just three minutes from half time, an illegal challenge halting Munsters charge towards the posts. The visitors worked hard with numerous pick and goes but failed to make headway, as they took a 8-3 lead into the break.

A half time fracas resulted in Healy and Dave Heffernan being shown the sin bin after the restart, the woes piled on for Connacht now down to 13 men, they also had Carty taken off just before the end of the opening half.

The Westerners drove hard and a driving maul got their reward near the hour mark, as Aki got their opening try, with Fitzgerald making it a two point lead 10-8.

A ten-week break from URC action did not seem to harm Munster in the long run, despite their recent Covid cancellations and a lack of first team regulars, the club worked hard but could not close the gap in the end, as Connacht were the deserved winners on the night.