O'Gara still looking forward with Munster

Munster's Ronan O'Gara, who received his 100th Heineken Cup against Llanelli, insists he's still looking forward in his career.

Speaking to RTÉ's Michael Corcoran after his side's 17-14 win at Scarlets, O'Gara insisted: "It’s not the 100 caps, it’s the victory. We’re alive in this competition and that’s most important.

"It was always going to be tricky. Dougie’s (Howlett) injury was a big blow to the back line. Zebo showed his class out there and it’s great to see the young lads are coming through – local lads making a mark for Munster."

But it wasn't all plain sailing, and O'Gara acknowledges that Munster started off very poorly.

"Yeah, we were brutal – absolutely horrific 20 minutes. They didn’t do anything, we conceded points and if we stay in this competition we’ll get caught in the end. But it says something about us that we can do that for 20 minutes and still win.

"I’d say the coach was tearing what hair he has out of his head. That’s the pleasing thing – the boys will work for each other. We got out of a hole there.

"The surface was terrible, an awful surface for a European Cup game, and it was hard to move out there. It was energy sapping and the standard wasn’t great, but it was a dogfight and it’s important that we’re winning dogfights."

But the victory leaves Munster in charge of their own destiny in the Pool and that's something which particularly pleased the fly-half.

"Yeah, it’s a bloody good pool, and that’s the pleasing thing. I don’t think we’re hitting anywhere near out top form so we’ve got to just survive.

"If you get to knockout rugby, it’s April and it’s different rugby again, a different surface. At the minute take it game by game, and that’s what we’re doing.

"We have a lot of injuries but it gives opportunities to a lot of other fellas and people are taking it. That’s why you get up everyday – to play with Munster and for the enjoyment you get out of playing with local lads. That’s a big thrill for us."

Although he concedes that reaching 100 caps is a big achievment, it's something he won't be dwelling on while his playing career is still in full swing.

"It’s a significant milestone but I have my foot on the accelerator and I’m not looking back. I’m looking forward and that’s the way you have to be in this game – it’s a ruthless game.

"I want to make the most of whatever years are left and I’m enjoying it immensely at the minute. You play to enjoy it and you play to win, and I tick the box on both counts."