Cardiff 16 Munster 18:Leaders Munster claimed their first Celtic League victory at the Arms Park, but their victory over Cardiff was not a match to remember.
With both sides short of 11 regulars - eight apiece on international duty and three injured - it at least gave an opportunity for fringe players to shine.
However, it was the lack of familiarity among the players that was most evident.
After the Blues earned a five-metre scrum from the kick-off, a try-scoring opportunity was lost when fly-half Lee Thomas collided with centre Jamie Robinson in front of the posts. The Blues were awarded a penalty as consolation, but Thomas managed to push it wide.
The errors set the tone for a mistake ridden first half, although Thomas and opposite number Paul Burke improved their accuracy when kicking for goal.
Burke, a former Cardiff player, broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, but Thomas replied four minutes later.
The sequence was repeated twice before half-time when the crowd were treated to the refreshing sight of two teams of eight-year-olds reminding them that rugby was a handling game.
The second period saw Munster display more willingness to throw the ball around, but it still required two more Burke penalties to keep the scoreboard moving.
After the second, Burke departed, to be replaced by Shaun Payne, with full-back Jeremy Manning moving to number 10 and taking over the kicking duties to further extend the visitors' lead.
Even with Italian prop Federico Pucciariello in the sin-bin, Munster retained control, with the Blues hammering in vain at the Irish defence.
As soon as he returned, the home side broke through, a fine handling move ending with Australian centre Marc Stcherbina darting over. Thomas converted from wide out.
But even though the Welsh region threw the ball around in desperation, Munster kept them penned in their own half to secure a deserved if narrow victory.