Writing in the Sunday Independent, George Hook argues that belief was the determining factor in Munster's Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Northampton Saints on Saturday afternoon.
"This Munster win was a victory no more or less than a triumph of experience over a talented team that simply did not know how to win a game that they could have and will feel should have won. Northampton were capable of playing the game at a high tempo aided by a skilful offloading game with astute change of angle.
"Once again, despite not playing to their highest standards, Munster just rolled with the punches and waited for the opportunity. Dylan Hartley, the Northampton captain, was disconsolate after the game and when asked the simple question, "why did you not win?", he was honest enough to admit that he had no idea why his players did not deliver on their undoubted advantages.
"Jonny Sexton may have been the hero of Friday night but he must have marvelled at the game management of Ronan O'Gara. The Munster out-half has his detractors, but he remains the best tactical brain in world rugby."
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