Munster coach Declan Kidney was delighted that his side managed to claim a late bonus point against Clermont Auvergne.
First win for former champions
Munster coach Declan Kidney was delighted that his side managed to claim a late bonus point against Clermont Auvergne.
Munster supporters were treated to another Heineken Cup nail-biter as the hosts left it until the 75th-minute to score a much-needed fourth try and claim a first win in this season's competition.
Kidney said: "We're delighted with the result. There is a thin line between winning and losing, particularly in a competition like this, and to get a bonus point against a side such as that is exceptional.
"They came at us round the fringes early on and we were very strong in that department and didn't concede any scores. We nicked a try (from Tipoki) just before half-time and that was an important score.
"With the wind and rain, the conditions were difficult and when we play Clermont over in France it will be much drier and they like to play a more expansive game. The conditions did not suit them this time certainly."
O'Gara
Ronan O'Gara, who missed just one place-kick out of six attempts, was also key to Munster's victory.
The Ireland fly-half said: "Our pack stood up to them very well in the first half. It was a slower game that last week (against Wasps) and I thought our forwards were exceptional.
"Getting the first score was huge for us and maybe determined the outcome of the game. We went to sleep for bits and pieces of the second half though and that's something we can't afford to do in the games ahead."
Asked about the redeveloped Thomond Park, which saw just over 12,000 spectators admitted this afternoon and will hold 26,000 when completed, O'Gara admitted to being shocked when he visited the stadium 24 hours before the game.
"There was a great atmosphere but with no stand it made touch-kicking far different to what we have been used to here.
"It's great to be back again with Munster at Thomond Park. I'm happy with my own game but more especially to be part of a winning team. It's brilliant to be back home with Munster which is really important to me.
"I was very disappointed with the way the World Cup went. Declan gave me as much time off as possible and it's just great to be back."
Changes
Meanwhile, Clermont Auvergne coach Vern Cotter denied that he had demeaned the Heineken Cup by making 14 changes to the side that started last week's seven-try victory over Llanelli Scarlets.
"I had to give my players a competitive run. This was only our fourth game (of the season) and we have another 35 to go. I am proud of the way they played.
"At critical times we got back into the game and if we had managed to peg it back to 24-20 early in the second half, things might have been different," he said.
"We will take a lot of positives from the game. I'm very happy with the way some of our players threw their bodies around. We lost to a good team but we're disappointed with the final scoreline."
