O’Gara: this is our competition

MISJUDGE Munster at your peril, especially in the Heineken Cup – that’s the message from captain Ronan O’Gara.

“It’s a different competition,” said O’Gara. “I think that’s the key point. This is our competition, one that we thrive in and that we love, and I think if you look at the record for the last 10, 11, 12 years Munster have consistently produced. That is a fact and is not up for dispute. After this we are in another semi-final and we’re knocking on the door. I don’t know if we’re good enough to win it, but at least we are progressing and that is what pleases me so much, the consistency of performances from year to year. Rather than going missing for two or three years we are knocking on the door every year and as a pro that is all you can ask of yourself, to keep doing that.

“This was good because Paulie (O’Connell) was a big loss. He is an inspirational leader and you’d be a small bit worried about the pack. But you could see in fellas’ eyes that the blood was up. Sport is ruthless, it doesn’t wait for anybody and Paul is aware of that; he is going to be a massive addition when he comes back.”