Munster moved into the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals after beating Ronan O'Gara’s La Rochelle 25-24 in dramatic fashion at Stade Marcel-Deflandre.
Tries from Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes - after a blockdown - and Andrew Smith had seen Munster establish a 22-10 lead.
A penalty try for the hosts teed up a nervy finish, but Jack Crowley responded with a crucial drop goal which gave Munster an eight point lead and a cushion which would prove vital down the stretch.
Munster had to withstand a furious barrage of pressure from the two-time champions in the closing minutes, after Henri Bosmorin's late try but they dug in for a famous victory, which sparked memories of O'Gara's own days in the red jersey.
La Rochelle flanker Levani Botia scored the game’s opening try – converted by Ihaia West – after Munster wing Smith had been yellow-carded but the visitors soon drew level.
A flowing move was finished superbly by Craig Casey, with Jack Crowley converting, before a West penalty put La Rochelle three points clear at half-time.
But the second period belonged to Munster, with a Crowley penalty being followed by back-row forward Coombes charging down a kick and scoring.
Crowley converted and after La Rochelle full-back Dillyn Leyds was yellow-carded, Smith touched down in the corner for a 12-point lead.
As it happened: La Rochelle 24-25 Munster
Munster nerves were tested when La Rochelle were awarded a penalty try 13 minutes from time but Crowley then landed that pivotal drop-goal.
There was still time for La Rochelle to rally and Bosmorin touched down before Antoine Hastoy’s conversion made it a one-point game.
But Munster held out to claim one of their biggest Champions Cup victories and march on to the last eight.
For O'Gara, who led La Rochelle to back-to-back Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, it was another defeat of a difficult season, which has seen them slump to 10th in the Top 14.
For Munster, it's a first knockout Champions Cup win since their victory over Exeter Chiefs in 2022 and their first knockout victory on the road since overcoming Edinburgh in 2019.
