Impressive Munster win at Scarlets

Munster produced an impressive display to beat Llanelli Scarlets 23-13 in Wales, their first victory at the Parc y Scarlets venue since 2011.

First half tries from James Cronin and Ronan O'Mahony ultimately proved decisive as the province continued the Irish sides' 100% record in the new Pro12 season.

Tyler Bleyendaal converted both Munster's tries and the New Zealander added a penalty to give the visitors' a 17-10 lead at the break.

The out-half extended Munster's advantage after the restart and his eventual replacement Ian Keatley also knocked over a kick for a further three points to give his side breathing space.

Gareth Davies' brilliant try had reduced the deficit shortly before half-time, with the boot of Rhys Patchell keeping the Welsh side in touch.

However, Patchell missed a late kick to secure a bonus point for the hosts.

Scarlets made a bright start to the game and Munster's task which already looked a tough one, was accentuated with the withdrawal of Simon Zebo with a rib injury on 17 minutes.

But against the run of play three-time Pro12 winners Munster took the lead when Cronin drove over from close range, Bleyendaal adding the extras.

Patchell responded with a penalty before after the half-hour mark, O'Mahony ran more or less unchallenged from 30+ metres out as the winger took advantage of sloppy Scarlets defending.

The try sparked Scarlets back into life and Davies showed brilliant opportunism when taking a quick penalty deep inside his own half before sprinting all the way down to, and over, the Munster line.

But after Scarlets were pinged for not rolling away, a Bleyendaal penalty edged the Irish province seven clear at the half time whistle.

The two kickers traded penalties not long after the break to make the score 13-20 before Keatley sent over the decisive score with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Patchell had the chance to earn his side a deserved bonus point but he missed his kick.