Penney hails "compelling" Munster

Editor

Munster head coach Rob Penney hailed his side's “compelling performance” after they progressed to the Heineken Cup last-eight.

Munster coach Rob Penney hailed his side's “compelling performance” after the Irish province progressed into the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.

The 29-6 victory at Thomond Park booked Munster a trip to Harlequins as one of the two best Pool runners-up – and ensured Leinster bowed out.

“We were up against some pretty resilient opposition and the boys delivered a pretty compelling performance at times,” Penney said.

“We made a couple of errors early on and that was on the back of being a bit anxious and wanting to do well. It took us a bit of time to settle into the game, probably longer than we would have liked.

“Once we got into our rhythm, I thought at times we were compelling. We looked very efficient.

“Our mental preparation and ability to stay focused for the whole 80 minutes was something we were going to need today. The relentlessness we were seeking was there.”

Penney admitted that the thought of not making the last eight didn't bear thinking about.

“If we hadn't (reached the quarter-finals) the people would be in the long grass, there would have been a lot of bullets being fired,” Penney said.

“If we hadn't gotten the outcome today, I would have been still proud of the progress we are making and the areas of growth we are getting.

“I really believe in this team and the direction it is going.”