Munster head coach Graham Rowntree says their impressive win against the South Africa Select XV has to be a springboard for the rest of their season.
The province put their poor URC form behind them in front of a sold-out Páirc Uí Chaoimh, winning 28-14 against a stacked touring side which contained 14 Test Springboks in their matchday 23.
In brutal weather conditions, the hosts scored four tries, with Cork natives Simon Zebo and Shane Daly among them, before holding off a second half fightback from the South Africans.
"It's brilliant, a special night for the club and a special night for the club individually," a delighted Rowntree said.
"And a special night for all those people who worked exceptionally hard to get this game organised. And the support was brilliant, although the weather wasn’t the best.
"That is going to give us a shot in the arm moving forward into the next batch of games."
And the Munster boss said the game, and the occasion at the home of Cork GAA lived up to all expectations.
"I had a feeling it would be like that given how quickly it sold out, and given the support and the history of the support we've had in these games against international opposition.
"I wasn’t surprised. I’m just so proud of everyone involved."
Having built up a 21-7 lead at half time, Munster played the second half into strong wind and rain, and although they had to withstand a huge amount of South African pressure in the final quarter, the visitors could only force one try in the second 40 minutes.
And Rowntree says the most pleasing aspect of the victory was how his side managed the game.
"Not just the win, the balance to our game. The tries that we scored, the composure that we showed, our defence and the discipline, pretty much, was alright.
"There were still a few issues towards the end of the game we need to tidy up, particularly around the yellow card and thereafter we had a couple of penalties for being offside under the sticks. But I was pleased with how we dealt with the power game, particularly when it was eight on eight."
The province return to action in the BKT United Rugby Championship when they host Connacht at Thomond Park on 26 November, before facing Edinburgh the following week, ahead of their Champions Cup outings versus Toulouse and Northampton Saints.
And having picked up just two wins in their opening seven league games, Rowntree says they need to use this win to kickstart their season.
"It has to, it has to be a springboard and give us confidence. Because that was a proper game, they're a good team, a big team. So we have to take confidence from that moving into the next block.
"I'll go and drink with them tonight and savour the moment. It’s a special night, as a player you remember these nights, a special moment in a special place.
"It's a special night. I said to them before the game that I was jealous of what was about to happen. They know what I mean now."
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