Munster led 10-8 at halftime, but looked to be gaining control when Anthony Foley weaved a bit of magic down the touchline. The backrower who has played more Heineken Cup matches than any other player – 71 – took the ball on the wing, toed ahead and regathered for his 21st Heineken Cup try. But Turner – who obviously spotted the chance to upset mighty Munster – sent on Owen and Morgan at halftime and they combined for Morgan’s touchdown.
O’Gara restored the traditional order of things at Thomond Park with a penalty goal from in front, and made up for several mistakes with a superb 52-metre effort that ricocheted off the left-hand upright and over the bar. The match erupted in the 73rd minute with both packs wading into each other. Dragons hooker Jones and Munster prop Horan were singled out by referee Chris White and sent to the sin-bin, and the 14 remaining Dragons had nothing left.
The home side dominated the final 10 minutes, kicking for touch instead of going for goal in an optimistic push for two more tries, and hooker Jerry Flannery was duly shoved over the line in the 80th minute.
