Connacht, needing two wins to have a chance of making the top eight, delivered on the first count, overcoming Munster with a bonus-point win at Dexcom Stadium.
The gap between themselves in ninth spot, and both Ulster and Cardiff in eighth and seventh place respectively, has now narrowed to just a single point, while they are three points adrift of Munster in sixth position.
It ensures Connacht have everything to play for in their final fixture away to Edinburgh who, currently languishing in 12th spot, have little to play for but pride.
It was always going to be a tough ask playing against Munster at Dexcom, but Connacht’s greater need produced an opening half that put them ahead 19-0.
In all areas they dominated, and with 69 per cent of possession, they made it count, helped by eight clean breaks, coupled with a solid line-out and scrum.
Connacht, with all the opening nine minutes' possession had nothing to show for their efforts, despite having two clear chances to score - the Munster defence holding them out as the Connacht pack could not find a way through. However, the breakthrough came after 13 minutes when Ben Murphy scored a deserved reward for Connacht's ability to produce three clear scoring opportunities.
With Munster’s Diarmuid Barron’s yellow card upgraded to red, Connacht made it count with a 20th minute try from Shayne Bolton after continuining to dominante, and Munster found themselves behind by 12-0.
However, the visitors enjoyed a period of dominanc,e but had nothing to show for it. Instead Stuart Lancaster’s side maintained their momentum, and it was the hard-working Billy Bohan who produced a turnover that helped deliver the next score. With Carty finding touch on the 10m line, Connacht produced a solid maul with Seamus Hurley Langton scoring, converted by Gilbert for a 19-0 lead after 35 minutes.
It was a real shot in the arm for the home side, who playing against the wind demonstrated superb control of their possession.
As expected the visitors took more control of the second half, but were denied a try for a knock-on. And although Connacht conceded a number of penalties, Munster were unable to capitalise until the 68th minute when Craig Casey side-stepped the defence to score, narrowing the gap to 19-7.
Connach, however, were not to be denied and replied almost immediately - bagging a third try in the 71st minute through man of the match Sean Jansen. It was deserved reward for Connacht’s ability to go through multiple phases with ball in hand and deliver the victory - not only against their Irish counterparts, but one that keeps their season alive.
CONNACHT: Sam Gilbert; Shane Jennings, Harry West (Sean Naughton, 50 mins ), Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton; Josh Ioane (Jack Carty, 69 mins ), Ben Murphy (Matthew Devine, 69 mins ); Billy Bohan (Peter Dooley, 48 mins ), Dylan Tierney-Martin (Eoin de Buitléar 22 mins ), Sam Illo (Finlay Bealham, 48 mins ); Darragh Murray, Josh Murphy (55 mins ); Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton (Paul Boyle, 62 mins ), Sean Jansen.
MUNSTER: Mike Haley; Thaakir Abrahams (Sean O'Brien, 53 mins ), Alex Nankivell, Dan Kelly, Andrew Smith; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey (Ben O'Donovan, 72 mins ); Jeremy Loughman (Josh Wycherley, 53 mins ), Diarmuid Barron (Kendellan, 37 mins ), Michael Ala'alatoa (Conor Bartley, 72 mins ); Edwin Edogbo (Jack O’Donoghue, ht ), Fineen Wycherley; Tom Ahern, John Hodnett (Lee Barron, 24 mins ), Gavin Coombes (Brian Gleeson, 48 mins ).
REFEREE: Peter Martin (IRFU ).
