Munster all but effectively ended the Dragons’ hopes of success in the tournament with the defeat on the home side.
The Irish gained their first try after a series of attacking phases following a scrum in the Dragons’ 22. Superbly turning over the ball, the Munster pack demonstrated its force and enabled Denis Leamy to stretch for the line.
A drop goal apiece from Mossie Lawler and Ronan O’Gara, who also notched two penalties during the first half, took the Irish into a commanding 17-3 lead at half time; Craig Warlow added the only points for the Dragons.
The second half saw Munster take their foot off the gas, with O’Gara’s boot restricting any Dragons’ attacking play by keeping them in their own half. It was a superb place kick from O’Gara that spurned the second try of the game; Richard Fussell carried the kick into touch in the corner and the resultant catch and drive provided a five pointer for Marcus Horan who crossed the whitewash.
Gareth Chapman attained a late try for the Dragons, but the injury time effort that went unconverted counted for very little.
