Defending Vodacom URC champions Munster survived a late comeback from the Crusaders to win the Clash of Champions in Cork on Saturday.

The match, which formed part of the Crusaders’ pre-season tour, saw Munster claim a 21-19 win after the Super Rugby title-holders missed a conversion in the last play of the match.

A brace from Ireland No 8 Gavin Coombes, playing at lock in the absence of the Six Nations internationals, gave Munster an early 14-0 lead in front of over 40,000 fans at the sold-out Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The Crusaders, who had former Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny in their starting lineup, hit back just before half-time through scrumhalf Mitchell Drummond.

Centre Dallas McLeod raced over for the Crusaders to tie the scores up at 14-14 in the second half, before Munster replied in the 70th minute when replacement hooker Scott Buckley powered over from close range to restore the home side’s seven-point lead.

The Crusaders gave themselves an opportunity to snatch a draw when replacement lock Jamie Hannah scored near the corner, but flyhalf Rivez Reihana missed the conversion.

The Super Rugby champions will next face Bristol Bears in the final game of their pre-season tour at Ashton Gate on Friday.

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