"When the Munster players talk about the relationship with their supporters, it's not lip service. It's very real. The baton is there, but nobody passes it on - they all just their hand on it."

The spell of Thomond Park spell lives on. Last week’s victory over Sale was no miracle - merely the fusion of a fanatical support and a group of players desperate not to disappoint them. Our writers spoke this week to those involved.

THE STING

Philippe Saint Andre, Sale director of rugby: "It's funny. I knew Munster had won 23 or 24 consecutive games in Thomond Park and that it's not an easy place to go. I told my team that this would be like an away quarter-final.