Munster punish injury-ravaged Ulster as Ireland prospect bags four

John Hodnett helped himself to four tries and Alex Kendellen a hat-trick as Munster beat Ulster 41-14 at Thomond Park to boost their bid for a top-eight finish.

Winger Aitzol Arenzana-King got the visitors off to the perfect start when he went over with just 13 minutes gone and stand-off Jake Flannery made it 7-0.

However, the home side turned the tables swiftly in the wake of Ulster flanker Tom Brigg’s 23rd-minute yellow card, fellow back row Hodnett crossing twice within five minutes and fly-half JJ Hanrahan converting the second to edge them in front.

Munster flexed their muscles as the second half got under way, replacement Kendellen touching down twice to wrap up the bonus point and Hanrahan successful with his second attempt at goal to stretch his side’s lead to 24-7.

Hodnett completed his treble with 25 minutes still to play and after replacement John Andrew had touched down for the visitors and Flannery kicked the conversion, made it four with 68 minutes gone.

But Kendellen went over for a third time seconds later and Hanrahan took his tally to six points to ease Munster across the finishing line.

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

Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Michael Ala’alatoa, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Dan Kelly, Alex Kendellen

Ulster Rugby: Michael Lowry (C); Ben Moxham, Ben Carson, Ethan McIlroy, Aitzol Arenzana-King; Jake Flannery, Conor McKee; Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Bryan O’Connor; Harry Sheridan, Charlie Irvine; James McKillop, Tom Brigg, Lorcan McLoughlin.

Replacements: John Andrew, Callum Reid, Tom McAllister, Joe Hopes, Marcus Rea, David Shanahan, James Humphreys, Jonny Scott