In what was dubbed another Lions trial for the numerous potential tourists on either side, Munster outplayed their Welsh opponents throughout an incredible 80 minutes in Limerick.

A brace of tries from Keith Earl and one apiece for Paul Warwick and 2005 Lion Paul O'Connell helped Munster to a 43-9 win to keep their hopes of a third European crown in four years very much alive.

Ronan O'Gara added 17 points with a 100-percent kicking record, while Warwick slotted two drop goals, including a brilliant 50-metre effort that rubbed salt into the Ospreys' wounds.

And, with Lions battles taking place all over the field, it was the stars of the Irish province who enhanced their chances of making the plane to South Africa next month.

Munster now face the winners of Harlequins and Leinster at Dublin's Croke Park on May 2, less than a month before the Lions leave for South Africa.