Munster produced a hard-working, gritty performance full of heart to progress to the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions Cup thanks to a 24-25 win over La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

Tries from Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes and Andrew Smith, in addition to 10 points from the boot of Jack Crowley, set Munster on their way to a famous European win on the road.

However, it was a truly 1-23 man performance as Munster were roared on by a huge travelling support and they will now face either Ulster or Bordeaux Begles in next weekend’s quarter-finals.

La Rochelle came bursting out of the blocks when with possession just inside the Munster half, slick hands out the backline saw Teddy Thomas sprint down the touchline before passing back to Tawera Kerr-Barlow to what looked like the opening try of the game.

However, upon review, Thomas’ boot was in touch so Munster resumed the game with a lineout in their own half.

Munster continued to come under pressure but some tenacious tackling from the visitors, including from Peter O’Mahony, saw Munster win possession when John Hodnett got over the ball to win a crucial penalty at the breakdown.

La Rochelle soon won the ball back and with 10 minutes on the clock, Andrew Smith was sent to the sin-bin for hands on the deck at the breakdown. With the penalty kicked to the corner, the home side crashed over with a try from Levani Botia which Ihaia West converted.

Soon after, Munster suffered a further blow when Jeremy Loughman was replaced by Josh Wycherley due to injury.

Despite these setbacks, Munster defended bravely throughout the period that they were down to 14 men at the midway point of the first half. Smith returned to bring Munster’s complement back to 15.

On 23 minutes, La Rochelle themselves went down to 14 when West received a yellow card for a high tackle on Seán O’Brien.

Munster got right back in the game just moments later. Thaakir Abrahams received a pass from Jack Crowley from a loose kick and he burst through two La Rochelle defenders before offloading to the supporting Craig Casey to score. Crowley’s conversion ensured the teams were level after 25 minutes.

A brilliant breakdown turnover from Diarmuid Barron gave Crowley the opportunity to kick to the corner and he produced a superb effort giving Munster a lineout five metres out. Unfortunately for Munster, the lineout throw was knocked on under pressure and La Rochelle received a scrum as a result.

Munster came back after another Abrahams run got his side on the front foot. This eventually brought play to just inches from the La Rochelle line but the ball went forward to end Munster’s chance.

Before the teams went into the sheds for half-time, West put La Rochelle back into the lead with a simple penalty in front of the posts as the hosts led 10-7 at the break.

Munster got off to a great start in the second half when Nash won a breakdown turnover after the kick off which Crowley nudged over for three points from the resulting penalty.

Nash continued to put in a superb performance when he produced a brave last-ditch tackle to prevent a certain La Rochelle try just moments later.

Munster’s defensive efforts were proving heroic as a determined and stubborn team effort defied the French side which resulted in a held up ball. A breakdown turnover soon followed for the men in red.

Gavin Coombes, who epitomized work-rate all evening, did brilliantly to get Munster’s second try when he blocked down a clearing kick before providing the deftest of touches with the boot to get the ball over the line before grounding. Crowley’s conversion ensured a 10-17 lead with 48 minutes played.

Munster, with their tails up, continued to push with some neat play down the touchline resulting in Dillyn Leyds receiving a yellow card for a deliberate knock on. Munster kicked to the corner before a strong maul saw the ball sent wide to Andrew Smith who dotted down to score his first try for Munster on his European debut. Crowley’s touchline conversion drifted wide as Munster’s lead stretched to 10-22.

With 15 minutes remaining in the match, La Rochelle received a penalty try as it was adjudged that Alex Kendellen illegally defended a maul which  resulted in a yellow card for the Cork man.

With 11 minutes to go and down to 14 men, Crowley stepped up with a huge play as he nailed a drop-goal from distance to stretch Munster’s lead to eight points.

La Rochelle continued to stretch Munster but Smith made a great covering tackle out wide and he and Nash both competed for the ball to win a turnover and relieve pressure.

La Rochelle got within one point of Munster when Hoani Bosmorin crossed in the corner which Anotine Hastoy converted but with the home in possession in the final moments, captain Tadhg Beirne, who was superb throughout, came up with a vital breakdown turnover to seal a famous and deserved win.

Champions Cup Round of 16 Round-Up

Jack Crowley was awarded the Investec Player of the Match.

Munster will now face Bordeaux Begles or Ulster in the quarter-finals.

Andrew Smith scored his first try for Munster on what was his European debut.

Munster Rugby: Thaakir Abrahams (R Scannell 55′); Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Seán O’Brien, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey (Murray 67′); Jeremy Loughman (Wycherley 12′), Diarmuid Barron (N Scannell 67′), Oli Jager (Archer 54′); Jean Kleyn (Wycherley 54′), Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony (Ahern 54′), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Rory Scannell, Alex Kendellen.

Tickets

URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19

Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 17: Friday, May 9

Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 18: Friday, May 16

Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here

Saturday, November 1

Munster v Argentina XV, Thomond Park, 5pm; Buy tickets here