Chris Farrell’s long road back to form and fitness is finally at an end after a stunning man-of-the-match outing for Munster on Friday night.
The Ireland centre was injured during this year’s Six Nations after a starring performance in their win over Wales.
But the bullocking centre, making his first start after eight months on the sidelines, returned in style for Munster against Edinburgh on Friday night at Irish Independent Park.
The centre showed plenty of his customary power in a man of the match outing, but also some deft touches with ball in hand which will please Joe Schmidt with the 2019 Six Nations in mind.
Conor Murray, also making his first start since Ireland’s summer tour to Australia, also caught the eye as he created tries for Farrell and fellow Ireland international Keith Earls in the first half.
In all, Farrell finished with two tries, 12 carries for 62 metres and five defenders beaten while Earls bagged a hat-trick and Andrew Conway a double in the 44-14 victory.
Meanwhile, Wales’ newly-capped winger Luke Morgan also bagged a treble as the Ospreys downed Zebre on a night to remember for Alun Wyn Jones.
The Wales lock became the most capped player in the history of the region with his 233rd outing, surpassing front-rower Paul James in the victory.
Meanwhile in England, Paul Gustard’s Harlequins served up Exeter Chiefs their first defeat of the domestic season at the Stoop.
Nathan Earle scored a double while Joe Marchant also dotted down for the home sides to give Eddie Jones more food for thought in his backline.
