Highlights & Pics: Munster v Toulouse

Yet another day at Thomond Park that will live long in the memory.  Action shots, video highlights and post-match reaction from Munster’s 41-16 Champions Cup quarter final win over Toulouse, a result that sets up a home semi final against reigning champions Saracens at the Aviva Stadium on April 22/23.

Click here to view our Munster v Toulouse match gallery.

In analysing the win, Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus cited the contribution of the passionate capacity crowd at Thomond Park .

“There was a little period there we were playing within ourselves and they were really turning the pressure back on to us which we handled eventually but you can certainly see we weren’t playing as well then, but then the crowd got behind us and started singing and I think the players got over that.

“In that specific bit I think it’s pleasing the guys could handle that bad patch and get over that bit.”

Captain Peter O’Mahony earmarked discipline as an area needing improvement, especially with the deadly accurate boot of Owen Farrell awaiting Munster in the final four.

“I thought at times our discipline was poor on Saturday. I was very disappointed in our discipline, to be honest. The first half we conceded way too many penalties. In the second half much the same as well, and we must have been well into double figures. That is something that would always stand out after a game, especially against teams of this quality, how low can you keep the penalty count and we didn’t do that well.”

Like he had been for Ireland against England, and indeed Munster against Zebre last weekend, the skipper was both valiant and assured at lineout time, a couple of crucial steals starving the Toulouse pack of any momentum.  However O’Mahony is loath to take the credit himself.

“I was happy enough with my own game at times. Our lineout defence went well but to be fair, Donnacha Ryan, Billy Holland, and Dave O’Callaghan, they do all the homework, all the real graft and the extra few hours that it entails. All I have to do is jump when I am told to jump.”

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch how @MunsterRugby booked their place in the final four of this season’s #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/wdTe1CiZrY

— Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) April 2, 2017

Semi final details will be confirmed following a broadcasters meeting.  Confirmed ticket details will also be communicated once finalised, with information posted on the Munster Rugby website.