PAUL O’CONNELL WAS beaming with pride after inspiring Munster to a Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Harlequins.
The veteran Ireland lock, who has recently returned to the fray after spending most of the season nursing a back injury, put in a man-of-the-match performance during the 18-12 win at The Twickenham Stoops.
Munster have been criticised during what has been a misfiring season and even head coach Rob Penney expressed disappointment with his players last week after their 51-24 RaboDirect Pro12 loss to Glasgow last week.
However, after booking a meeting with Clermont Auvergne in the final four, O’Connell spoke of his delight at the courage shown by the young players in particular.
It was fantastic, I’m so proud,” he told Sky Sports after the final whistle. “I feel like an amateur rugby player today almost. It means so much to these young guys – they’ve so many people doubting them, on their back every week.
“I know how hard they work and how much it means to them and their families so today is a very special day.
“Guys were very low and normally we rally very early in the week after a poor performance but there was very little of that all week. I think guys were done talking and just couldn’t wait for the game to come around.
Munster is a massive rugby province and they’re reading bad things about their kids, their cousins and their friends every week. They’re really put in a positive performance today.
“It means an awful lot for the young guys who I see training everyday. People questioning do they have it like Quinny had it or Axel had it or Wally had it. I see it in abundance in them in training and it’s great for them to get it today.”
Munster, now representing Ireland as the last province still in the competition, will take on a Clermont side who looked extremely impressive in their win over Montpellier yesterday at the Stade de la Mosson on April 27.
And O’Connell knows they will be underdogs in their bid to reach the final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
“I’m sure Clermont are delighted it’s us that are coming and not Quins but it’s a great day and I’m so proud of the team.
“We’ve a massive mountain to climb. You saw Clermont yesterday and they look absolutely phenomenal and it’s going to be tough but I’m very happy for the boys.”
