REDS ADVANCE TO PLAY-OFFS

MUNSTER outlasted Benetton in a thrilling contest in Cork as a 30-21 win booked their place in the URC play-offs.

- BY DON MARRINAN

Josh Wycherley burrowed over in the 73rd minute as the Reds - everpresent in the Investec Champions Cup for the last 30 years - also qualified for Europe's top tier for next season.

Rhyno Smith's brace of tries had Benetton leading 14-10 at half-time, raising hopes of their first victory in Ireland since beating Leinster seven years ago.

Jack Crowley was Munster's sole scorer until replacement hooker Lee Barron crashed over three minutes after the restart.

That try ignited a run of 15 points without reply, as Thaakir Abrahams blazed over out wide and Craig Casey took over the kicking duties.

Player of the match Casey split the posts twice and despite Bautista Bernasconi adding the Italians' third try, Wycherley's bonus-point score ensured Munster's top-eight finish.