Munster stormed into the semi-final stage of the European Cup with a tremendous win over Stade Francais by 27 points to 10 at a capacity packed Thomond Park today.
Munster made the perfect start, running in two tries within the first 10 minutes through leftwing Anthony Horgan and fullback Dominic Crotty. Ireland international O'Gara converted the second to give Munster a 12-0 lead to the delight of the capacity crowd.
Italian international flyhalf Diego Dominguez landed a long-range penalty just before halftime to give the Paris team some hope. However, Stade Francais lost their discipline in the second half and with it went their chances of turning the match around.
O'Gara, whose performances for Munster this season won him his international call-up, kicked five second half penalties to make the French pay fully for their errors. Stade Francais conceded a first penalty under the posts after centre Cliff Mytton threw a punch. O'Gara put that over and added a further two penalties while Mytton spent 10 minutes in the sin bin. O'Gara then slotted his fourth penalty to make it 24-3.
Stade Francais were awarded a penalty try for a deliberate knock-on which Dominguez converted nine minutes from time to reduce the deficit. But Munster finished strongly and added a fitting gloss with another successful penalty from O'Gara right on the final whistle. The result was another famous Irish victory over French opposition after the national team last month secured their first win over France in Paris for 28 years.
