Saturday brought one of Munster's most memorable European wins of recent years, as they picked up the maximum five points away to Toulon.
After throwing away leads in both of their opening two games to sit on just three points at the midway point of the pool stage, a big result was needed to ease Munster's chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Initially, Toulon had the better of things but, after coming out of the opening 20 minutes 10-0 down, Munster took control of the game. They were skilful in attack, and their resolute defence was sensational throughout.
Ultimately, four-try Munster ran out 29-18 winners to almost guarantee a place in the last 16 of the Champions Cup - and they go into the final weekend with an outside chance of claiming a home game in the second round.
Plenty of Munster players shone on a memorable afternoon on the French Riviera. Jack Crowley was awarded man-of-the-match, while Craig Casey, Calvin Nash, and Simon Zebo all starred in attack.
However, it was a forward who most impressed TNT Sports pundit Lawrence Dallaglio.
Speaking at full-time, the 2003 World Cup winner singled out youngster Tom Ahern for praise - and said that the lock could be a potential Six Nations bolter for Ireland.
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Toulon 18-29 Munster: Lawrence Dallaglio heaps praise on Tom Ahern
23-year-old Tom Ahern was exceptional in Munster's victory in Toulon on Saturday.
The former Ireland U20 star scored Munster's third try of the game just after half-time, after bullying his way past the Toulon defence from a crossfield kick. That score was not without controversy, with a TMO check ultimately seeing nothing wrong with a potential knock-on from Calvin Nash in the buildup.
Munster 𝖒𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈 ✨@Munsterrugby extend their lead after half time!#InvestecChampionsCup #RCTvMUN pic.twitter.com/sYW9Co41og
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) January 13, 2024
The try was not Ahern's only contribution to Munster's win. He and Peter O'Mahony were both immense in the lineout, and consistently excellent in Munster's defensive efforts.
Lawrence Dallaglio would mention both men in his post-match comments on TNT Sports, giving special praise to the young Ahern.
Dallaglio said that Ahern would be a star of the future and that he had a chance of sneaking into Ireland's squad for the upcoming Six Nations:
Tom Ahern stood out I think. We were going to talk about him before the game, but we ran out of time.
He's an Ireland U20 player and he has a chance to be in the larger squad at the Six Nations.
He's definitely one for the future, he caused Toulon problems all day with Peter O'Mahony in the lineout.
Ahern got over [for the try] - look at the size of him! This guy used to play fullback. He's got the legs.
Competition is hot for a second-row place in the Ireland squad, with James Ryan, Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne established test players, and Joe McCarthy expected to be included in a Six Nations squad for the first time.
Nonetheless, Ahern has very much so put himself in contention with some excellent performances of late.
Munster only need one point from their final pool game next week at home against Northampton to secure passage to the knockout stage. A bonus point win - coupled with Exeter drawing a blank against Bayonne - would secure them a home last 16 game.
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