Gaffney glad to hang on

Coach Alan Gaffney “gleefully accepted” Munster’s 15-9 Heineken Cup Pool Four triumph over the Zurich Premiership’s bottom side Harlequins despite a scoreless second half from the Irish province.

Munster crammed all their points into a first half dominated by the three sin-binnings of props Marcus Horan and Maurice FitzGerald and Quins fly-half Jeremy Staunton.

The 24-year-old, who signed from Munster in August, kicked three penalties as the Parker Pen Challenge Cup champions briefly threatened Munster’s unbeaten home record in the competition, but they were not helped by replacement hooker Ace Tiatia – who was binned for a high tackle on the hour.

“It was very hard for us to get any momentum – especially in the second half,” said Gaffney.

“It’s what our game’s about, being patient and taking our chances but the game just didn’t develop.

“Both sides tried to play rugby, despite the bad weather. It wouldn’t be one for the purists but we’ll accept a win gleefully.”

Man of the match Anthony Foley, making his 61st European appearance, added: “It was a very difficult game, but we did ever so well and stuck to our guns.

“It became nearly impossible to handle the ball as the game progressed, but we ground it out and we can take a lot of credit from this win.”

Quins captain Andre Vos knew his side could have gone closer.

“Credit to Munster – they held the ball well in the first half,” said the 33-times capped South African.

“But we know we had our opportunities but things just weren’t coming off for us.”

Staunton, a long-time target of coach Mark Evans, made his first appearance at Thomond Park since kicking seven points in Munster’s 39-10 Celtic League victory over Connacht in May.

“It was a weird experience coming back to play in Thomond but not in the Munster red,” said the Quins number 10.

“Neither side were at their best today, but perhaps we could have made more of the chances that came our way in the second half.

“We’ll have to move on and forget this loss quickly though as Castres come to Stoop next Saturday.”