Despite finishing the game with 13 men, Munster dug out a win this afternoon against Connacht.
Connacht had the chance to go for the winning try in the dying moments, but a crucial Tadgh Beirne turnover won the game for Munster.
In what was an historic occasion, around 27,500 people packed in to Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar for the first professional rugby game in Mayo ever.
Connacht were 18-5 down at the break, against a strong breeze, with the first half try coming from Sean Jansen.
A high tackle from Munster’s Nankivell put the red men down to 14 men, while Cian Prendergast was forced off injured.
Connacht found themselves 30-12 down with 20 mins remaining before Jansen and Josh Ioane added trys to make it a one score game.
Alas, Connacht were not able to get the winning score.
Full time from Hastings Insurance MacHale Park:
Connacht 24 Munster 30
