Clayton McMillan's Munster claim impressive 35-point victory over Benetton

Munster returned to winning ways with a 45-10 win over Benetton, running in seven tries to grab a bonus-point victory in Treviso.

The Irish side lost away to the Sharks and the Bulls last month and made it three straight defeats when they were beaten by Exeter in the Challenge Cup, but finally found some form at Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

Calvin Nash, Thomas Farrell and Gavin Coombes all touched down as the visitors ran up a 19-3 half-time lead, Jack Crowley chipping in with a pair of conversions.

Alex Nankivell made a stunning try-saving tackle that typified a relentless Munster defensive effort and Jean Kleyn went over for the bonus point after 45 minutes.

Bautista Bernasconi finally got over for Benetton soon after but the points kept coming for Clayton McMillan’s side, who saw Alex Kendellen and captain Tadgh Beirne add to the scoring.

Crowley added the extras for five conversions before both he and Craig Casey were sent to the sin bin, but Munster did not ship a point when they were down to 13. Brian Gleeson and Alessandro Garbisi swapped late tries but the celebrations belonged to the away fans.

Benetton: Matt Gallagher, Louis Lynagh, Tommaso Menoncello, Malakai Fekitoa, Paolo Odogwu, Jacob Umaga, Alessandro Garbisi, Destiny Aminu, Nicholas Gasperini, Marcos Gallorini, Giulio Marini, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro (CAPT), Lorenzo Cannone.

Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi, Ivan Nemer, Tiziano Pasquali, Riccardo Favretto, Jadin Kingi, Alessandro Izekor, Andy Uren, Leonardo Marin.

Munster Rugby: Shane Daly, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Andrew Smith, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa, Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (CAPT), Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Oli Jager, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Dan Kelly, Alex Kendellen.