It appeared like Cardiff had been to going to lament the failure to assert a restart after their third attempt to a expensive kick out on the total after they trailed by eight within the closing levels.
Nevertheless, a robust scrum, courageous kick to the 22 by alternative Ioan Lloyd and a affected person assault ended with Bowen scuttling over for his or her fourth strive.
There was a nervous watch for the TMO to deem there was no clear knock-on within the build-up by Taine Basham earlier than Cardiff may toast what has to go down as a profitable journey to Eire despite the 23-20 defeat.
Granted, they missed 5 kicks at purpose in windy situations, failed to carry onto the lead 3 times and had been annoyed by a ahead go within the lead as much as Munster’s first strive, however they’re in credit score.
Cardiff are two factors higher off than many would have predicted because of their pair of bonuses at Thomond Park – the place they’ve misplaced all 12 video games – and a five-pointer towards Lions.
The loss in Limerick featured two great hat-tricks with the bustling Bowen going over 3 times and fly-half Callum Sheedy offering three assists, two with pinpoint kicks and one other with a peach of a tip-on.
The fly-half was clattered as he arrange the third attempt to that ended his evening.
Cardiff have given themselves a platform to make it a wonderful first block with a house recreation towards Connacht, a visit to a Dragons facet determined to finish their Blue and Black hoodoo, and an Arms Park date with Edinburgh.
They nonetheless have loads of work-ons and should be extra cut-throat within the 22. Midfield is a priority resulting from accidents and Ben Thomas’ suspension, although the lack of Matt Sherratt does not appeared to have fully thrown them.
As with all 4 Welsh sides, the important thing will probably be how they deal with the squad being stretched.
