Munster silence Bourgoin drums

Bourgoin 17 Munster 18

Not the time, then, to be meeting Munster, who finished with the respect of Saint-Andre and 9,200 local fans ringing in their ears.

The Bourgoin drums were silenced by a performance from Alan Gaffney's side that was more comprehensive than the score-line indicates. Nevertheless, Munster, and their captain Jim Williams, will take it.

"I suppose we didn't play particularly well but we came here to do a job and we did what we set out to do. It was always going to be difficult but I did feel that we controlled the game generally and took our chances when they came.

"We were disappointed not to score a try and equally disappointed to concede one. That was down to us because they scored their try off a succession of mistakes.

"Still, we never felt there was a time when victory was beyond us."

Williams praised Ronan O'Gara for having the mental strength and ability to knock over a penalty nine minutes from the end to secure the win. But the captain was also at pains to highlight the twin contribution of Paul O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan out of touch.

These two ensured Munster had the lion's share of possession and Bourgoin, with a huge reputation for their ability up front, had to play this game with a lot less possession than they are used to.

Saint-Andre admitted: "It was frustrating to lose a few of our own throws. Munster challenged very well in that area. They obviously did their homework well.

"We did not have enough ball to take the game to them and we paid for that. Munster, we know for a long time, are a very good side. They proved that in this game and their experience helped give them the win. It's no excuse, but our injuries were too much for us."

Ronan O'Gara was involved in both of the early scores. Firstly, he was penalised for questioning referee Nigel Whitehouse about a Bourgoin clearance to touch.

Alexandre Peclier kicked the goal but the Munster out-half responded immediately when he levelled from 22 metres five minutes into the game.

At 3-3 there was everything to play for and, despite having to face the elements, Munster enjoyed a distinct territorial edge.

However, they were architects of their own problems at times, with Jeremy Staunton conceding a silly penalty for a shoulder charge on Sebastien Chabal. Bourgoin elected to go for broke out of touch, but reckoned without the presence of O'Connell who did as Justin Harrison did to the Lions two years ago. That take was crucial.

Munster went ahead when O'Gara kicked his second penalty, but it precipitated a period of French dominance as Alexandre Peclier took over with two magnificent drop goals.

O'Gara, however, was back on target with his third score in injury time and the No 10 then kicked Munster into a 12-9 lead with a simple penalty seven minutes into the second period.

But despite dominating, Munster fell behind when Sebastien Chabal charged over for the first try of the match. Peclier stretched the lead to five points a few minutes later but O'Gara had another point to make with his fifth penalty midway through the half.

With ten minutes left, O'Gara was on song again when he kicked his sixth penalty from a favourable position.

That was enough to give Munster a dramatic victory and, the last moment of injury time apart, they finished the game in control although a single point lead was always too close for comfort.

BOURGOIN: A. Peclier, G. Esterhuizen, G. Davis, F. Fritz, J. F. Coux, B. Boyet, C.Laussucq, W. Bonet, J. P. Bonrepaux, J. Pierre, P. Pape, A. Bias, P. Raschi (capt), S. Chabal.

Replacements. A. Forest for Esterhuizen (half time, injured), B. Cobello for Bonrepaux (48).

MUNSTER: J. Staunton, J. Kelly, M. Mullins, J. Holland, S. Payne, R. O'Gara, P. Stringer, M. Horan, F. Sheahan, J. Hayes, P. O'Connell, D. O'Callaghan, J. Williams (capt.), A. Foley, D. Wallace.

Replacements. R. Henderson for Holland (67), M. Lawlor for Staunton (70).

Referee: N. Whitehouse (Wales).