Masterful O’Gara lifts Munster

FOR a team reportedly reeling from the trauma of a third successive loss to arch-rivals Leinster, it was the day to stand up and fight.

Munster, even without the influence of injured skipper Paul O’Connell, deemed it inconceivable that they should lose a second successive competitive match at Thomond Park.

Their response to a huge Northampton challenge was a timely reminder of their measured best; they knew what they had to do and knew how to do it.