'They leave a massive legacy behind': Costello 'devastated' but full of praise for departing Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray

It was perhaps cruellest for Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony, who played their final games for the club. For those two stalwarts, as well as Stephen Archer and other absent warriors, to bow out in this way, felt wrong.

Peter O’Mahony of Munster looks on from the bench during the United Rugby Championship quarter-final. Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

Rugby can be a cruel game, but seldom could it be crueller for a team than losing in a penalty shootout. Unfortunately, that was the lot that befell Munster in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final against the Sharks at Kings Park.

Munster did everything but win in 100 minutes of rugby that was far from perfect at times, but it was always absorbing. The Sharks too, did everything but win in normal time.