Paul O'Connell was filled with pride as his Munster team produced another clinical Heineken Cup performance to dump out Gloucester and progress to the semi-final.
The talismanic second-row was at the heart of a monumental forward effort at Kingsholm while wingers Ian Dowling and Doug Howlett raced over for the match winning scores in the 16-3 triumph. O'Connell said:
"We lost Marcus Horan before kick off and that would be a massive blow for any team especially against such a strong scrum.
"But we stood up. This is a great jersey to play in, a great atmosphere to play in and a great occasion to play in.
"Our back three were outstanding, so reassured. They put a lot of high balls up there today and they were taken and when they weren't marked there was a great honesty from the rest of the boys to get back there and help each other out.
"We were a bit lucky that they missed their early kicks, but on the other hand we took our own chances. Experience always plays a part in games like these but what was more important was a very honest effort from 1 to 15 and also form the bench."
Man-of-the-Match Rua Tipoki was also quick to heap praise on the effort of the Munster pack. The kiwi centre said:
"It was a rollercoaster ride out there in truth. Our pack really stood today, the front five especially and that made it a lot easier for us out wide.
"Playing for this team is an amazing feeling, just the camaraderie and the support you get out there is unbelievable.
"I definitely want to get to the final in Cardiff so its all guns blazing for that now."
ends
.jpg)
