There’s something about Munster and Europe.
Their fascinating and tumultuous relationship with the competition continued today, giving their fans more edge of their seat moments and an epic final whistle high.
Today’s win over Exeter added to their European story as they secured a 26-10 win, giving them a 34-23 overall aggregate score after two legs.
Munster captain and man of the match Peter O'Mahony once again showed off his most important trait, being able to turn up on the very biggest of occasions.
He lead from the front, making three turnovers and 14 tackles, but was grounded and humble as he praised the fans and his teammates after the match.
"We knew we had to come in and go after the game.
"We knew we had to be at our best to beat a side like Exeter by more than five. I'm certainly proud of the boys. it was dogged. It certainly wasn't perfect. We stuck in there. Thought our discipline was better this week. I'm delighted we gave everyone a good day out."
"We had to be at our best to beat a side like Exeter, I'm very proud of the boys!" 💪 @Munsterrugby's Peter O'Mahony is delighted as they put everything on the line to come out on top in the round of 16 🙌#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/yDZYn5Xajo
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 16, 2022
O'Mahony literally did everything. He put his body on the line. He a force at the breakdown and in the lineout as you'd expect. He won a vital turnover in the 58th minute just as Exeter seemed like they were gaining a foothold in the game.
The Corkman even played a bit of scrumhalf today. His pass was vital in setting up Joey Carbery's first half try.
Carving through! 💥
Great play by @Munsterrugby, fantastic field position keeping Exeter on their toes as the ball finds Joey Carbery who slides through the defence for the try!
Great stuff from the Irish side 👏#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/rc6CrmCc2P— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 16, 2022
O'Mahony's absence was keenly felt last weekend in Exeter. After today's victory, former Wales captain Sam Warburton said on BT Sport commentary that he'd be shocked if O'Mahony wasn't nominated for the European Player of the Year award.
Brian O'Driscoll shared some love for O'Mahony.
"It's all those key moments, he's turned up time and time again"
Munster got the start they wanted when Joey Carbery put them 3-0 ahead after five minutes, but were brought back down to earth when they were dealt the double blow of an Exeter try and a yellow card for Conor Murray.
Exeter’s scrumhalf Sam Maunder snuck over from a quick-tap, while Joe Simmonds slotted the conversion and Munster’s number nine was sent for ten minutes on the side line.
Despite Exeter striking first after half-time when Jacques Vermeulen crashed over, Munster were able to find an extra gear, spearheaded by the titan O’Mahony.
Two more Carbery penalties followed before Damian De Allende was put over the after superb work from Simon Zebo, to put the game beyond doubt.
That is world-class from Simon Zeebo 🤩@Munsterrugby work the ball out wide to their talisman keeping the width, who then finds Damian de Allende with an incredible back door offload ✨
Wonderful pass! 👏#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/v01AUd05yv— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 16, 2022
Munster will now play the winner of Ulster and Toulouse in the quarter-finals.
See Also: Stephen Ferris Is Confident Ulster Can Finish The Job Against Toulouse
