 Hook kicked all of the Ospreys' points in their 15-9 win over Leinster |
Ospreys coach Sean Holley has said that the Welsh region will relish the "formidable challenge" of facing Munster in the Heineken Cup last eight. The Ospreys will need to beat the defending champions at the intimidating Thomond Park if they are to progress. And Holley said: "We realise that we face a tough task, with Munster likely to be most people's favourites. "But if you want to succeed in this competition you have to play, and beat, the best sides at some stage." The Ospreys, who beat Leicester 15-9 on Saturday, finished behind the Tigers in Pool Three, progressing on Sunday as one of the best runners-up after a nail-biting final day of the pool stages. Munster topped Pool One and have one of the best records in the Heineken Cup, having won the competition twice in the last three seasons.  | 606: DEBATE |
Far from being overawed, however, Holley said his players were excited about the tie, which will be played on the weekend of 10-12 April. "We are delighted to progress through to the quarter-final stages for the second successive season," said the Ospreys coach. "The reward for our hard work in the pool stage is a tie against the reigning European champions who will, as always, present a formidable challenge. "The prospect of facing Munster at a full Thomond Park in a knockout tie is an exciting one for everybody at the Ospreys. "They are familiar foes, and we have tremendous respect for Munster and their many achievements over the years, as well as the strong culture and values that they have off it. "As coaches and players you want to test yourself against the best players and teams, and play in the toughest environments. "I have no doubt that this match will certainly provide a real test of our character and ability, but we will relish the opportunity to take on one of Europe's perennial powerhouses."
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