Zebo: 'Special' O'Connell raises our standards

Munster winger Simon Zebo has been praising Paul O'Connell in the aftermath of yesterday's victory over Harlequins in the Heineken Cup quarter-final.

After their 18-12 win at the Stoop the Reds will now face Clermont in the semi-final in Montpellier on April 27.

Zebo said the second row adds something extra.

He said: "He has a special aura when you are playing next to him. We always hold our standards pretty high in Munster and when he is out there they would be even higher.

"He is great to have around, he brings a great work ethic and great leadership to the side.

"He is a special player and I am glad he is on our team."

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea also heaped praise on Munster's captain, who made strong claims for a place on the British and Irish Lions tour with an outstanding performance in a game Munster took control of after the interval.

Ronan O’Gara kicked four of his six penalties in the first 16 minutes of the second half as Munster, driven on by O’Connell, overpowered Harlequins.

“The better side won,” said Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea.

“I thought Paul O’Connell was absolutely majestic. He was the totem that the whole team just rose around.

“He is arguably one of the greatest second rows, if not the greatest second row that Ireland has ever produced.”