O’Connell embarrassed by man of match award

TAKEN off as a precautionary measure ten minutes before the end — and given a standing ovation — Paul O’Connell was still “embarrassed” at being voted man of the match in Munster’s victory over Benetton Treviso at Thomond Park.

The modesty was uncalled for. Whether stealing opposition line-out or commanding his own, rampaging through the middle or putting in earth shattering hits, O'Connell looked a class apart.

Only 24, the mind boggles at what he can yet achieve.