Munster work it out

Thomond Park may be a work in progress but there was a familiar ethic to Munster's 36-13 bonus-point victory over ASM Clermont Auvergne in front of 12,800 supporters. The traditional values of graft, patience and ruthless exploitation of opportunities were once again in evidence as the home side kick-started their Heineken European Cup campaign in earnest yesterday.

It was a timely fillip because, on Saturday, the reigning champions, Wasps, conjured an impressive five-point raid at Stradey Park, hammering Llanelli, the team that knocked Munster out of last season's tournament, and at the venue to which Declan Kidney's team return in December for the first of successive games against the Scarlets.

The Munster coach acknowledged what Wasps had achieved as he pondered the ramifications for Pool Five. "To win away from home is a huge feat and it certainly gives them the upper hand; that is what you'd expect from the reigning champions.

"We said the first day it would take six cup-final performances to come out of the pool. The boys have contributed two of those and we have four more to go. We have to go to Stradey, where we were knocked out last year. What others are doing is totally outside our control and we must look to ourselves."

Central to Munster's victory was stand-in captain Ronan O'Gara, the epitome of composure and intelligent direction from the outhalf position. He kicked five from six attempts and drove the French visitors back in the second half when a territorial game was required.

He said his appetite for the game had been restored after the Ireland's tribulations in France: "I have really enjoyed the last few weeks coming back into the Munster camp.

"I was very disappointed at the way the World Cup went and to come home to Munster was really important to me.

"I think Deccie (Declan Kidney) giving me time off meant a huge amount: I took the maximum time away from the game. I got refreshed and I now think I am benefiting from it. I'm happy that the team won, that's the most important thing - if I am playing on a winning team and contributing."

O'Gara pointed out that Munster hadn't been distracted by Clermont's decision to make 14 changes from their opening match. "After last week, today was all about us. We had to win today to stay in the competition; it was as simple as that. When Munster concentrate on themselves they are a difficult team to beat. All my input went into trying to get Munster right. It was a day for the Munster pack and I thought they were exceptional. The first half was (the) key.

"We were in control at half-time and when you have the elements and the crowd behind you it's easier to play."