RaboDirect Pro12 play-off semi-final: Ospreys 45-10 Munster

The Ospreys produced a brilliant display to beat Munster in a clinical Pro12 play-off semi-final win at the Liberty Stadium.

A final against Leinster, who beat Glasgow in the other semi-final, awaits the region on 26 or 27 May.

Dan Biggar, Kahn Fotuali'i, Hanno Dirksen, Andrew Bishop and Rhys Webb went over, Biggar adding 20 points with the boot.

Ian Keatly scored a try, conversion and penalty for Munster.

The hosts ensured the tournament's play-off semi-final record of no team having won away at that stage remained intact.

In the process the Ospreys inflicted a rare, painful hammering on Munster while completing a season's Pro12 treble over the respected Irish province.

With chief Andrew Hore hoping the Ospreys win titles as well as hearts and minds, the hosts oozed confidence even after falling behind to an outstanding early Munster score.

Lifeimi Mafi's approach work created a midfield hole that Keith Earls expertly exploited to send Keatley over, the fly-half converting his own score.

Biggar knocked over his first penalty as the first response, then finished off a telling attack by completing a one-two with Ryan Jones, the latter's inside pass the highlight of the move.

Wales hopeful Biggar converted and put them back into the lead after Keatley levelled with a penalty.

Biggar added a third penalty to put the hosts six points clear.

And the Ospreys ended the opening period in memorable, long-range fashion as Richard Fussell's inside pass freed Joe Bearman for the number eight to send Fotuali'i over.

The Biggar conversion gave the Ospreys a 23-10 half-time lead, that he stretched with another penalty, taking his career tally with the team over the 1,000 mark before another outstanding home try.

Justin Tipuric's tackle forced Ronan O'Gara to relinquish possession and Shane Williams, Beck and Fotuali'i played their part before Fussell gave Dirksen a run to the line.

Veteran wing Williams' popped pass put Bishop over for the next, Biggar converting.

Another clever pass from soon-to-retire Wales and British and Irish Lions wing Williams sent replacement scrum-half Rhys Webb over, Biggar converting for the fourth and final time.

TEAMS

Ospreys: Richard Fussell; Hanno Dirksen, Andrew Bishop, Ashley Beck, Shane Williams; Dan Biggar, Kahn Fotuali'i; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric, Joe Bearman.

Replacements: Tom Isaacs for Dirksen (71), Rhys Webb for Fotuali'i (56), Ryan Bevington for James (56), Scott Baldwin for Hibbard (61), Aaron Jarvis for Adam Jones (65), James King for Alun Wyn Jones (69), Matthew Morgan for Biggar (72).

Not Used: Tom Smith.

Munster: J Murphy; I Dineen, K Earls, L Mafi, S Zebo; I Keatley, C Murray; W du Preez, M Sherry, BJ Botha; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, T O'Donnell, P O'Mahony (capt).

Replacements: O'Gara for Murphy (24), Barnes for Keatley (69), O'Leary for Murray (56), Kilcoyne for du Preez (74), Fogarty for Sherry (69), Archer for Botha (74), Dave O'Callaghan for Donncha O'Callaghan (53).

Not Used: Butler.

Att: 10,215

Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU)

Assistant Referees: Nigel Owens (WRU), Marius Mitrea (FIR)

Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)

TMO: Nigel Whitehouse (WRU)