Pro14: Munster 28-10 Scarlets

Scarlets' Tyler Morgan tackles Munster's Mike Haley at Thomond Park

Pro14 Conference B leaders Munster underlined their superiority with a bonus point win over Scarlets on a torrid night in Limerick.

Gavin Coombes, Shane Daly and Niall Scannell tries put the hosts in command before Kevin O'Byrne crossed for the bonus point.

Joey Carbery converted all four tries.

Steff Evans scored a late consolation as Aaron Shingler's return to action saw him yellow carded on a tough evening for Scarlets.

Wales flanker Shingler was making his first Scarlets appearance since their last visit to Thomond Park in February 2020, while Ireland fly-half Carbery was starting a Munster game for the first time since January 2020.

Scarlets, the last Welsh team to win at Munster in the competition in February 2017, needed a victory to secure third spot in Conference B and European Champions Cup qualification.

Munster had already sealed their place in European rugby's top-tier tournament and will also face Irish rivals Leinster in the Pro14 final on 27 March.

In driving wind and rain at Thomond Park, it was little surprise that after an extended spell of pressure, Munster opened the scoring as Coombes went over for his ninth try of the season with Carbery adding the extras.

Although Scarlets responded immediately through Angus O'Brien's penalty, Munster's second try soon followed with Daly crossing after a break by Carbery, who converted.

The hosts were stopped in their tracks by an injury to Fineen Wycherley which required lengthy treatment and led to his departure from the field.

Shingler's comeback was memorable for the fact he received a yellow card at the end of the first half as Munster continued to press.

Aaron Shingler was yellow carded on his first game back for Scarlets

No sooner had the Scarlets flanker trudged off, hooker Scannell drove over for Munster's third try and Daly converted from the touchline to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb in the second half.

With Scarlets replacement Tevita Ratuva in the sin bin, Munster had a fourth try in their sights and they sealed the bonus point through replacement O'Byrne, with Carbery maintaining his perfect kicking record.

Scarlets had very little in terms of attacking opportunities with their ill-discipline proving costly but they had the last word with a late try.

With Munster reduced to 14 men after James Cronin's yellow card, Evans crossed in the corner for a try with O'Brien converting.

But it was scant consolation for Glenn Delaney's side who are still to secure their spot in next season's Champions Cup with one game remaining.

Line-ups

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Damian de Allende, JJ Hanrahan, Shane Daly; Joey Carbery, Nick McCarthy; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland (C); Fineen Wycherley, Jack O'Sullivan, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, Jeremy Loughman, John Ryan, Thomas Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, Darren Sweetnam.

Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl; Tom Prydie, Tyler Morgan, Steff Hughes (capt), Steff Evans; Angus O'Brien, Dane Blacker; Steffan Thomas, Marc Jones, Pieter Scholtz, Morgan Jones, Sam Lousi, Aaron Shingler, Jac Morgan, Sione Kalamafoni.

Replacements: Taylor Davies, Kemsley Mathias, Alex Jeffries, Tevita Ratuva, Uzair Cassiem, Will Homer, Johnny Williams, Paul Asquith.

Referee: Sean Gallagher (IRFU)

Assistant referees: Robert O'Sullivan, Peter Martin (both IRFU)

TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)