We’re judged on success

RABODIRECT PRO 12:

Munster’s place in the last four was last night secured through Zebre’s shock win over the Ospreys. Fourth-placed Ulster are now the only side the Welsh outfit can pip for a place in the knockout stages.

The last-ditch win by Zebre left Munster’s O’Callaghan, still smarting from the Heineken Cup exit on Sunday, delighted, but he still called for total player focus on the lesser of the two competitions.

“Now (after Marseille) we’ve got to change the focus, change the mindset and get on to Edinburgh. The season does (still) hinge on this, 100%; unfortunately for us at one stage we were talking along the lines of maybe topping it (Rabo), or (now) getting a home semi.

“We need to be playing in these top end games, at the business end of the competitions.

“I don’t know whether we’re in a position to get a home semi and there are minimum requirements around here, that’s a great way to be but we’re judged on success.

“A few years ago it might have been enough to say we had a decent year, but nowadays if you’re not picking up trophies then it has to be a disappointing year.

“We’ve got away from the gallant loser bit, you want to win because in reality you don’t get many shots at it.

“I know there will be young guys saying they can have another go next year but no matter what age you are it’s hard to get there and you have to be greedy when you are; they (opportunities) don’t come about a lot, it’s tough work to pick them up and it requires you to dig deeper when you do get there.”

The pain of last week still lingers with the big second row but he recognised that others were suffering too.

“I know as professionals you’re meant to think next ball, next game, and stuff like that but it hurts, it stings for a bit for sure.

“But then you see the lads that didn’t get to tog out and you see the staff that you’ve let down, the guys who put in everything every day, incredible professionals, and the supporters, just coming back into Shannon Airport and being greeted by people that had stayed up to be there at one in the morning.

“Sometimes you feel you don’t deserve the supporters who are really unbelievable. I know it’s always said but it’s not until you see things like that you can be truly and seriously thankful, and sometimes you’d (even) be a little embarrassed.

“These people are digging deep here, we know how expensive it was to travel over the France, even a smaller thing for someone to jump in the car to get to Shannon Airport for one in the morning, that’s incredible loyalty to a team.”

However, O’Callaghan hopes to have the Munster fans singing again in the coming weeks.

“The good thing about this weekend is that we have something to give us a massive challenge, it requires us not only to physically front up but there is also the mental aspect of it and it’s a good way to test yourself, we just know we’re playing cup finals from here on in and if we’re good enough we’ll get another 80 minutes

“For me, that’s what will drive it on, the fear.”