Munster seize the initiative

Neath-Swansea Ospreys 18 Munster 20

“I was watching them warm-up beforehand and during all their practice line-outs they didn’t get one wrong. They didn’t give us a sniff of a try all afternoon, they didn’t give away a penalty in the last few minutes. That’s the sign of an experienced side. We have to try and emulate that. We’re a couple of per cent off that level, but we’ll get there.”

Alan Gaffney will be pleased to hear that, though not fooled. His side came out the right side of a frantic Heineken Cup Pool 4 assignment battered but breathing, propelling them into next month’s double date with Castres atop the pool. The Ospreys laid siege to Munster’s line late on, leaving visiting supporters and coach Gaffney gasping for breath. When it was over, hundreds of fans poured onto the pitch in raucous appreciation of another outstanding effort. “It was heart-stopping stuff at times,” admitted the coach, “but we spent a lot of time perfecting our defensive formation and the guys did a magnificent job. It wasn’t easy having to defend for such long periods but after that I’d bet on them against any team.”