Edinburgh 15 Munster 20:Munster began their Magners league campaign with a five-point win over Edinburgh last night with Keith Earls scoring a try in an impressive performance.

Chris Paterson landed all of the Scot's points with the boot which reflected Munster dominance in a game in which the only gripe was that the European champions might have scored more than the two tries they got.

The scoreline could have been more had Ronan O'Gara not missed three shots at goal though his overall game was good.

Earls' try came early in the first half after powerful pick-and-go rugby from Munster's dominant pack.

O'Gara added the conversion goal but then missed a kickable penalty which would have given his team a 10-3 lead. Edinburgh responded with a penalty of their own before O'Gara again missed - though it was a more difficult chance.

The Ireland outhalf then found his range with a conversion from the touchline after David Wallace went over after good work by Doug Howlett who played at fullback.

The team's exchanged penalties before Marcus Horan was sin binned shortly before the break. Edinburgh failed to take advantage.

Edinburgh were much-improved in the second half but failed to convert two try-scoring chances while Paul O'Connell did likewise in game in which Munster, while impressive, played within themselves.