O’Connell hails hard-fought win but warns against complacency

Paul O'Connell warned against a Scarlets backlash at Thomond Park next weekend after Munster snatched another vital away win in Europe yesterday evening.

Munster took control of their Heineken Cup qualifying destiny as they moved to the top of Pool 1 in Wales, continuing their undefeated start to the campaign with a third straight win in the group.

It was also another narrow victory, following on from a 23-21 opening win over Northampton Saints and a 27-24 defeat of Castres in Toulouse. There were no last-gasp drop-goal heroics this time at Parc Y Scarlets but a well-worked first-half try from Niall Ronan, four penalties from Ronan O'Gara on his hundredth Heineken Cup appearance and a dogged defensive display saw off a Scarlets side whose attacking flair was neutralised at source by Munster's breakdown work.