GUINNESS PRO12: Munster put pressure on top four after bonus point win over Dragons

Dave Kilcoyne and his replacement James Cronin combined for three tries as Munster ran out 26-5 bonus-point winners over the Dragons at Thomond Park.

The Newport Gwent outfit made Munster fight all the way for the bonus point, with prop Cronin eventually claiming it with 77 minutes on the clock.

Loosehead Kilcoyne’s third try in as many games was followed by Rory Scannell’s first for the Irish province as they teed up a 12-0 half-time lead.

Although Kilcoyne completed his brace, the Dragons hit back through Hallam Amos’ 46th-minute touchdown and were inches away from a second try courtesy of Adam Warren.

Just when it seemed like this PRO12 tie would peter out, the home pack got their reward via the direct route again. Cronin’s late effort sealed the bonus for Munster who trail fourth-placed Ulster by four points. They have a game in hand - away to Cardiff Blues - coming on Friday, March 18.