We punched above our weight, says Kidney

Munster boss Declan Kidney has hailed his side who reached the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup for an unprecedented 10th successive year last night after beating holders Wasps 19-3.

"To beat a team of Wasps' calibre by this score was very impressive," said Kidney.

"It speaks volumes for all the players and the decision making out on pitch.

"We managed to scrape a point out of every game we played in the group stage and that was very important to qualification.

"I'm very proud of the boys. When it comes to matches like this we have to punch above our weight and that's what we do."

Kidney also saluted man of the match Ronan O'Gara, who booted 14 points with a flawless kicking display and also set up Denis Leamy's try to cap a magnificent effort.

"Ronan was absolutely magnificent," said Kidney. "I can't speak highly enough of him. He's getting better and better."

To add to the misery of London side Wasps, it has emerged that second row Simon Shaw could miss England’s entire RBS 6 Nations after sustaining an ankle injury in the game.

Shaw was carried off on a stretcher in the 49th minute after falling awkwardly beneath a pile of bodies and sustained soft tissue damage.

A Wasps spokesperson said: "There was no break to the ankle, but Simon sustained soft tissue damage.

"He is still in discomfort and will be out for several weeks."

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan was unhappy with the performance of referee Nigel Owens and blasted his decision to give Shaw a yellow card for not retreating 10 yards at a penalty.

The Scot said: "Simon's sin-binning was crucial but these are the things that you have to live with in big games.

"We were on the receiving end of some tough calls and in a marginal game it's the little things like that become huge.

"Some of those decisions in the first half, had they gone for us, might have swung the pendulum in our way."

The defending champions finished third in Pool Five following Clermont's triumph over Llanelli and McGeechan conceded Munster were worthy winners.

He said: "We're disappointed. We said who missed out in this group would be unlucky because it was such a tough group.

"I think we played well throughout the group campaign but a couple of bonus points went begging.

"Clermont sending a second team to Munster was also quite instrumental in the outcome.

"We knew we'd have to get it 100% right tonight to win but the penalty count went against us and Munster kept all the ball.

"Munster kept their noses in front at key times and it was always going to be difficult against them.

"I think we had the stronger pack so I'm not sure the wet conditions favoured Munster.

"On the night we can't complain about Munster winning."