Munster offered a signal of intent with a shock-and-awe slaughter of mighty Toulon, so writes the Irish Independent's Hugh Farrelly.
"Another riotous entry on Munster's 'Hooked on Classics' album, this thumping victory over Top 14 heavyweights Toulon had all the characteristics of the province's best European days over the last 10 years.
A 'win or bust' prerogative against highly rated opponents. A cacophony of noise from a Thomond Park full house determined to play their part in proceedings.
Refereeing injustice, as Wayne Barnes and his team ignored a preposterous pass that allowed Toulon open the try-scoring while Munster waited for the whistle to sound.
A pantomime villain in Felipe Contepomi, whose slow second-half trudge to the sin-bin elicited the loudest roars of the day.
Peter Stringer firing the ball out with dizzying speed and accuracy and executing a trademark ankle tap when Toulon broke free. Ronan O'Gara kicking the ball over from all angles and exuding the control that saw him honoured as this competition's most effective operator last season.
And, an overall intensity from the men in red jerseys that totally swamped the opposition, sounding out a war cry that will be heard all over Europe."
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