Numerical disadvantage proves decisive in narrow Munster loss

11 Oct 2025

Edinburgh were beaten 20-19 by Munster tonight at Virgin Media Park. The visitors, who were playing their first match in almost two weeks after their Round 2 fixture was postponed, were locked in a fiercely contested battle that was ultimately defined by a high penalty count and four yellow cards, culminating in a highly contentious final play.

The match also saw the debut of summer signing Dylan Richardson, the physical flanker acquired from Hollywoodbet Sharks, who was thrown straight into the thick of a ferocious contest.

The hosts opened the scoring immediately in the second minute with an opportunistic coast-to-coast try. A quick lineout led to a speculative hoof downfield, and despite Darcy Graham getting back to the ball, a wicked bounce saw it evade him and land in the hands of Andrew Smith, who touched down for an unconverted score (5-0).

Edinburgh hit back almost instantly, securing a penalty advantage which they kicked to the corner. Hooked Ewan Ashman was the man who finished off a powerful lineout drive to put the visitors ahead (5-7).

The capital side extended their lead on the 16th minute when Ben Vellacott capitalised on an overthrown Munster lineout, eventually sniping over from close range to make it 5-12.

Despite the advantage, poor discipline quickly derailed Edinburgh’s rhythm. Glen Young, an HIA replacement for Marshall Sykes, was shown the first of four yellow cards for getting caught in an offside position. They were soon down to 13 men when D’arcy Rae followed him to the bin for a dangerous tackle.

Munster capitalised on the numerical advantage when Michael Milne powered over on 33 minutes (10-12). Edinburgh, despite the pressure and Richardson’s strong debut showing huge physicality in defence, managed to hold onto a narrow two-point lead at the break.

Edinburgh started the second half with renewed focus and extended their lead with a moment of attacking brilliance. James Lang delivered a pinpoint crossfield kick which landed perfectly for Darcy Graham, who collected the ball in his stride to run in and score. Healy’s conversion stretched the lead to 10-19.

However, referee Ben Whitehouse once again put himself at the centre of the action, producing his third yellow card of the night.

After Edinburgh had won a penalty, play was brought back for an earlier knock-on in contact. In the ensuing breakdown, flanker Freddy Douglas appeared to get on the ball, but the referee saw a different picture and gave Douglas his marching orders.

Again, down to 14, Edinburgh initially held the line, but Munster proved too strong at the whitewash, with Milne powering over for his second try (15-19).

With the game in the balance, captain Magnus Bradbury was shown Edinburgh’s fourth yellow card for a ‘croc roll’ clear-out. This late loss of personnel proved fatal, allowing the hosts to wrestle over in the corner for the go-ahead score, taking the lead 20-19 for the first time since the opening minutes.

Munster briefly thought they had secured the win when Coombes crossed, but the try was disallowed for a knock-on, giving Edinburgh a dramatic final chance.

A scrum penalty offered an exit to halfway, and when Munster illegally pulled down the subsequent lineout, Healy was able to advance the visitors just shy of the Munster 22.

A strong rolling maul seemed to put Edinburgh in a match-winning position, but as the visitors advanced the ball forward with the clock in the red, Munster managed to halt the drive and Whitehouse controversially blew his whistle, calling a turnover and ending the game.

Munster held on for the one-point victory. Edinburgh leave Cork with a single losing bonus point, able to hold their heads high for the fight and resilience they showed.