WATCH: Five-try Munster Rugby storm back to score bonus point win at Edinburgh in URC

IMPROVING Munster Rugby received a timely boost ahead of next weekend's big Heineken Champions Cup opener against Toulouse when scoring back to score a convincing 38-17 bonus point win against Edinburgh at the Dam Health Stadium in the United Rugby Championship on Friday night.

Munster came roaring back after falling 12 points in arrears early on to score 31 unanswered points, including five tries, to seal an impressive win and continue their ascent up the URC table.

Graham Rowntree's Munster side have now won on seven of their last eight visits to Edinburgh, at three different venues, but this was their first visit to DAM Health Stadium.

 Munster, who have won five of their last six fixtures against Scottish opponents, will face French aristocrats Toulouse in their opening round Heineken Champions Cup pool fixture on Sunday, December 11 at Thomond Park, 3.15pm, in a repeat of last season's quarter-final which the Top 14 side won in a kicking contest after the sides finished level after extra time at the Aviva Stadium.

John Ryan made his 200th appearance for Munster in Friday night's game, becoming the 13th player to reach the landmark for the province.

41 nóim #EDIvMUN@EdinburghRugby - 17@Munsterrugby - 21

Tús ionatch do na Mumhnaigh agus Calvin Nash ag fáil an úd.

Calvin Nash gives Munster a great start as he slips through the Edinburgh defence and gets his try@IrishRugby @URCOfficial#URC #Rugby pic.twitter.com/wY5pWF1Vv8

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 2, 2022

Edinburgh, who have now won just one of their last seven meetings with Munster, welcomed back six Scottish internationals to their starting line-up for the game, Mark Bennett, Blair Kinghorn, Pierre Schoemman, Darcy Graham, Duhan van der Merwe, Viliame Mata.

Ahead of kick-off, Munster captain Peter O’Mahony and Edinburgh skipper Grant Gilchrist laid out jerseys bearing the number 5 in honour of the Doddie Weir, the Scotland and Lions second-row who sadly passed away last week.

Munster had trailed by just three points, 14-17, at half-time, despite getting off to a very disappointing start to the contest.

Edinburgh raced into a 12-0 inside the opening 15 minutes after scoring two early tries.

Centre Chris Dean opened the scoring for the Scottish side into three minutes when collecting an offload from Luke Crosbie befor racing clear to score. Blair Kinghorn converted for a 7-0 advantage to the home side.

Nine minutes later Edinburgh had their second try when the fleet-footed Darcy Graham intercepted a pass on halfway before blitzing his way to the tryline.

23 nóim #EDIvMUN@EdinburghRugby - 12@Munsterrugby - 7

Freagra maith ag na Mumhnaigh agus is é Craig Casey a thrasna an líne

Great reply from Muinster as Graig Casey finds the space and get their first try@IrishRugby @URCOfficial#URC #Rugby pic.twitter.com/d534bj9Z6D

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 2, 2022

To their credit, Munster got back in the contest in the 24th minute when live-wire scrum-half Craig Casey darted over following a strong lineout drive from the visitors. Joey Carbery converted and Edinburgh's lead was cut to five points.

However, the home side struck for their third try of the contest in the 36th minute when their captain Jamie Ritchie dotted down. Suddenly their lead was out to 10 points.

40 nóim #EDIvMUN@EdinburghRugby - 17@Munsterrugby - 14

Úd tábhachtach do na fir na Mumhan díreach roimh leath ama

Rory Scannell scores Munster's second try just before half time@IrishRugby @URCOfficial#URC #Rugby pic.twitter.com/5cXGw9b02Z

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 2, 2022

Crucially, in the context of the game, Munster struck back with their second try before half time when Rory Scannell scampered over after taking off a terrific line off Antoine Frisch's clever pass.

Carbery's conversion left three points between the sides at the break.

And Munster hit the front soon after the restart when in-form winger Calvin Nash crossed for their third try. Carbery's successful conversion had the visitors in front by four points, 21-17.

Munster moved 11 points in front after 53 minutes when powerful number eight Gavin Coombes forced his way over the line and Carbery added the extras.

And out-half Carbery then took the score to 31-17 when he continued his immaculate kicking to send a penalty between the posts in the 64th minute.

The Munster playmaker capped off a fine night for himself when he scored a try and then converted in the very last action of the night to bring his points haul for the game to an impressive 18.

EDINBURGH RUGBY:  Wes Goosen, Darcy Graham, Mark Bennett, Chris Dean, Duhan van der Merwe, Blair Kinghorn, Ben Vellacott, Pierre Schoeman, Paddy Harrison, Luan de Bruin, Jamie Hodgson, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Luke Crosbie, Viliame Mata Replacements: Tom Cruse, Boan Venter, WP Nel, Marshall Sykes, Nick Haining, Charlie Shiel, Jaco van der Walt, James Lang.

MUNSTER RUGBY: Munster: Shane Daly; Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo; Joey Carbery, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O'Mahony (Capt), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Roman Salanoa, Jack O'Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, Patrick Campbell.

REFEREE: Mathieu Raynal (France)