Representative match/Leinster A 24 Munster A 36:A game that barely exceeded training ground intensity nevertheless proved an important run-out for the fringe players in Declan Kidney's and Michael Cheika's squads in the frustrating lull period caused by the Six Nations.
This contest adopted a similar pattern to Leinster v Munster meetings of recent times. Leinster started brightly and threatened to exploit their superior pace, before Munster ground out the win.
There were positives and negatives for both teams. Alan Quinlan looks to be regaining peak form after a recent suspension. The same can be said of Leinster hooker Brian Blaney.
Unfortunately, Shannon tighthead prop Tony Buckley missed the opportunity to impress after spraining an ankle earlier on.
Former Leinster outhalf Eoghan Hickey kicked well for Munster.
The result was decided by an intercept try in the 73rd minute. Leinster were on the attack and just one completed pass from sending Gary Brown over for a try, which, if converted, would have levelled the scores.
In an instant, games are decided. James Power's cut-out pass was stolen by Conan Doyle, who raced half the field to touch down beside the posts. Hickey added the extras to make it 33-19 and effectively the Munster mission was complete.
A few miles were added to Munster's journey yesterday morning as the Portlaoise RFC pitch was deemed unplayable.
Matters started so differently, with Jonathan Sexton putting Stephen Grissing in at the corner after just three minutes. Sexton's touchline conversion was a further statement of intent.
The St Mary's outhalf has been called up to the Ireland A squad to play the England Saxons on Friday night in Ravenhill, although he may have to be content with a place on the bench behind Leicester's Ian Humphreys. Still, his early season European exposure due to a Felipe Contepomi injury continues to reap rewards.
Munster replied to the early blitz through Dolphin number eight James Coughlan who, assisted by poor tackling, forced his way over. They went in front soon after as Garryowen winger Ciarán O'Boyle outstripped the defence.
Leinster regained the lead before half-time when good approach work by fullback Fionn Carr eventually saw a direct carry by centre Fergus McFadden yield another seven-point return.
Gary Brown raced over for the first of two well-taken tries early in the second half, but thereafter the Munster machine took over.
Shannon hooker Seán Cronin further exploited some loose tackles for Munster's third try, before O'Boyle also dotted down to force Leinster to start taking chances.
SCORING SEQUENCE: 3 mins: S Grissing try, 0-5; J Sexton conv, 0-7; 17: J Coughlan try, 5-7; E Hickey conv, 7-7; 26: C O'Boyle try, 12-7; 38: F McFadden try, 12-12; J Sexton conv, 12-14. 45: G Brown try, 12-19; 55: S Cronin try, 17-19; E Hickey conv, 19-19; 66: C O'Boyle try, 24-19; E Hickey conv, 26-19; 73: C Doyle try, 31-19; E Hickey conv, 33-19; 76: G Brown try, 33-24; 79: E Hickey pen, 36-24.
LEINSTER A: F Carr; G Brown, M Berne, F McFadden, S Grissing; J Sexton, G Easterby; R Sweeney, B Blaney, Fosi Pala'amo; D Toner, A Byrnes; R Leyden, D Laffin, D Dillon. Replacements (from): C Culleton, J Lyne, A Dunlop, M D'Arcy, A Dunne, J Power, C McNaughton, H Vermass.
MUNSTER A: M Lawlor; C O'Boyle, P Owens, D Mateus, D Hurley; E Hickey, C Delooze; E McGovern, S Cronin, T Buckley; B Holland, S O'Connor; A Quinlan, T McGann, J Coughlan. Replacements (from): C Doyle, M Essex, T Ryan, M Melbourne, A Kavanagh, A Sherry, P Rowley.
Referee: G Clancy.
