Munster head coach Johann van Graan says his team will "enjoy and embrace" the lead in to their Guinness Pro14 final after seeing off Connacht at Thomond Park to book their place in the decider.
It will be the province's first Pro14 final in four years, in which time they have lost three semi-finals, while also losing on three occasions at the same stage in the Champions Cup.
Now the South African will look to steer Munster to silverware on 27 March after edging past Connacht in what was effectively a semi-final given the league standings.
Joey Carbery came off the bench to kick the match-winning 68th-minute penalty, and despite trailing 10-7 at the interval, the hosts showed the big-game nous when it mattered, setting up a final date with either Leinster or Ulster.
"It was not our best performance by a long way, but it was enough," Van Graan told RTÉ Sport.
"We’re really happy with the win. I think it was a real tussle, it certainly wasn’t the prettiest game in the world, one or two big moments made a big difference."
Starved of success in recent years, Munster’s fallow period has coincided with Leinster’s dominance, but the South African says the squad will enjoy a long-awaited shot at silverware.
"Obviously, it’s brilliant that it is our first final in a few years and it is something we will enjoy and embrace."
More than anything else, the head coach was pleased with how his team ground out the win in a contest that could have gone either way.
Matt Healy’s early try set the tone for Connacht who held a slender three-point lead at the break.
Big games are won by special moments, and that was certainly a serious moment
"We didn’t start the game well, we were tense. At half-time we said we wouldn’t go into our shells, and we started the second half really well."
Full-back Mike Haley provided the necessary inspiration with a classy 57th-minute try, collecting John Porch's kick infield, slipping past Dave Heffernan and regathering his own kick through to score.
"He really attacked from behind. Big games are won by special moments, and that was certainly a serious moment."
