Munster missed the chance to go top of the Magners League last night, losing 31-22 to the Newport Gwent Dragons.

A formidable looking side, including Doug Howlett, Peter Stringer, Ronan O’ Gara as captain & Springbok star centre Jean de Villiers, who is quitting the Irish province at the end of the season to return to South Africa.

Munster made a positive start, with Howlett going over for a touchdown on the right only for it to be ruled out by the video ref for a knock-on.

Aled Brew scored a blistering try, racing 40 metres past two defenders before getting the better of full-back Paul Warwick to score.

Outside-half Jason Tovey converted but the lead did not last long as the home scrum, which had been under pressure, cracked on their line to concede a penalty try that gave O’Gara a simple conversion.

But the Dragons began to gain more and more territory.

Centre Lifeimi Mafi didn’t help Munster’s cause, getting sin-binned for answering back to ref Dudley Phillips.

Will Harries went over under the posts for the home side, only for that to be erased when flanker Tommy O’Donnell was on the end of a passing movement that included hooker Denis Fogarty, O’Gara and Warwick.

Dragons full-back Martyn Thomas got a third home touchdown.

They may have had the bonus point fourth try when Harries ran 70 metres from his own line but the resultant Tovey penalty in front of the posts sealed the result.

Tony Buckley’s late effort was only consolation for Munster.

Related posts:

1. Munster v Scarlets Team News
   Tony McGahan has made 8 changes for Munster's Magners League clash with the Scarlets this evening.
2. Munster 15-16 Leinster
   Leinster recorded their first win at Thomond Park in 15 years, beating Munster 16-15 in the Magners
3. Munster 33-19 Northampton
   Munster are into the semi finals of the Heineken Cup after beating Northampton Saints 33-19 at Thomo
4. Munster Name Squad For Ulster Clash
   Munster coach Tony McGahan has named his team to play Ulster at Ravenhill in the Magners League on S
5. Munster Go Down In Belfast
   Munster's bad run at Ravenhill continued last night, as they lost 15-10 to Ulster in the Magners Lea

Tags: aled brew, denis fogarty, doug howlett, dudley phillips, jason tovey, jean de villiers, lifeimi mafi, magners league, martyn thomas, Munster, newport gwent dragons, paul warwick, peter stringer, ronan o' gara, tommy o' donnell, tony buckley, will harries