O'Driscoll embraces injured Felipe Contepomi after Saturday's game

Brian O'Driscoll said past losses to Munster and questions over Leinster's own fragility helped inspire a stunning Heineken Cup upset over the champions.

O'Driscoll was among the try-scorers as Leinster won 25-6 to avenge their 30-6 semi-final mauling by Munster in 2006.

"It wasn't just 2006. We've lost twice to Munster this season as well so we really felt we owed them one," he said.

"People had questioned our integrity, our pride, our passion, but we produced a big passionate performance today."

The Ireland captain said he was "embarrassed" to receive the man-of-the-match award after such an "immense" display by the Leinster pack, who were all outstanding to a man.

We were pretty much second best in most facets of the game Munster skipper Paul O'Connell

"I'll certainly accept it on behalf of them," he added. "They set the platform for us to get our tries.

"Games are won and lost at ruck time. The speed of ball is critical.

"We managed to get some quick ball ourselves when we were going forward and managed to slow them down which was exactly as we wanted it."

Leinster lost fly-half Felipe Contepomi midway through the first half because of a knee injury but O'Driscoll said the squad had "complete faith" in replacement Jonathan Sexton, who kicked a penalty immediately on his entrance and gave a superbly assured display.

"He has been playing extremely well in the Magners League and we didn't feel we were losing anything when he was coming on.

"Fingers crossed, Felipe will be fit (for the final) in three weeks but it's great to have a replacement like Jonno."

Munster and Lions captain Paul O'Connell acknowledged that Leinster were worthy winners.

606: DEBATE I think there's a few Munster players who'll be thankful the Lions squad was picked last week and not next week orangedrink

"We didn't play well but we probably weren't allowed to play well," said O'Connell.

"They were very tough up front and scored two very good tries out wide and Brian (O'Driscoll) got an interception (try) as well.

"We were pretty much second best in most facets of the game."

The Munster skipper insisted the champions had not taken their provincial rivals lightly however.

"There was none of that," he added. "We had a shaky start and it kind of took root for the rest of the game.

"Leinster got great belief from that and we couldn't get any quick ball. They did very well, they were very clever and their pack was outstanding.

"You get your motivation from anywhere you can and I am sure 2006 would have been a big part of it.

"A lot of their guys would have been there that day and it is a similar scoreline today. It is very disappointing.

"With all the hype it is a game not many people will forget, and something we have to live with for a long time to come".

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version