Cardiff 13-12 Munster: Leigh Halfpenny's big boot can't prevent Munster edging through

A MASSIVE penalty from inside his own half by Leigh Halfpenny gave Cardiff Blues a 13-12 victory in injury time – only for Munster to grab the final place in the Magners League play-offs thanks to their losing bonus point.

As news of Edinburgh's exploits in Dublin filtered through, it had seemed as if neither side was going to qualify from the Cardiff City Stadium, but Leinster's late tries against the Scots helped their countrymen make the last four.

After two early misses, Blues full-back Ben Blair broke the deadlock with a simple effort from in front of the post, but within two minutes Ronan O'Gara had levelled when the Blues' backs strayed offside.

The Blues ran a penalty from deep and the attack culminated in centre Jamie Roberts forcing his way over. Blair converted from wide out, but O'Gara's boot dominated the remainder of the half, with a trio of penalties edging Munster in front.

Halfpenny's huge penalty proved the only score of the second period, raising a huge cheer from the Blues' supporters but failing to prevent Munster moving on to the next stage of the competition.