Quins quell out of sorts Munster

MUNSTER’S dreams of an Amlin Cup consolation prize were crushed ruthlessly by Harlequins on Saturday in the province’s most embarrassing defeat of a proud 16-year European odyssey.

Thomond Park has been central to many of Munster’s great days in Europe, the only previous hiccup coming in a Heineken Cup pool game loss to Leicester in 2007. If that Tigers victory was deserved, Harlequins went one better with a performance that should have yielded a much more comprehensive winning margin.

The visiting pack won the physical battle up front and tactically were streets ahead of a Munster team that fell off tackles and provided Harlequins with an opportunity to secure their third Challenge Cup title and earn a prized place in the Heineken Cup next season.