Craig Casey sees Munster book playoff ticket at Benetton's expense

Munster outlasted Benetton in a thrilling contest at Virgin Media Park, as a 30-21 win booked their place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs.

Josh Wycherley burrowed over in the 73rd minute as the Irish province, ever-present in the Investec Champions Cup for the last 30 years, also qualified for Europe’s top tier for next season.

Rhyno Smith’s brace of tries had Benetton leading 14-10 at half-time, raising hopes of their first victory in Ireland since beating Leinster seven years ago.

Jack Crowley was Munster’s sole scorer until replacement hooker Lee Barron crashed over three minutes after the restart.

That try ignited a run of 15 points without reply, as Thaakir Abrahams blazed over out wide and Craig Casey took over the kicking duties.

Player of the match Casey split the posts twice and despite Bautista Bernasconi adding the Italians’ third try, Wycherley’s bonus-point score ensured Munster’s top-eight finish.

Munster edged ahead when Casey – playing his 100th game for the province – put Crowley over for a tidy 13th-minute try from close range.

Just five minutes later, the impressive Jacob Umaga sent Smith skipping over just to the right of the posts. The once-capped England fly-half also converted.

A Crowley penalty made it 10-7, before a lineout steal from the retiring Peter O’Mahony prevented a quick response.

However, with 27 minutes on the clock, Umaga bounced off Casey’s attempted tackle before feeding Smith for another pacy finish.

It was all Munster in the third quarter, though, as Barron crossed from a maul and then Diarmuid Kilgallen collected Crowley’s cross-field kick before releasing Abrahams to scorch over.

Casey nailed a fantastic left-footed conversion from the touchline and the scrum half’s 56th-minute penalty widened the gap to 25-14.

Crowley, who appeared to be carrying a slight knock, pushed a drop goal effort wide before Benetton rallied thanks to replacement Bernasconi twisting over from a 68th-minute lineout drive.

With their lead cut to four points, Munster backed their pack again and Wycherley scored after a strong maul. Umaga missed a late penalty as the visitors fell out of quarter-final contention.