O'Driscoll lauds Munster grit

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has hailed Munster's latest Heineken Cup triumph – and admitted he is “very envious” of their achievements.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has hailed Munster's latest Heineken Cup triumph – and admitted he is “very envious” of their achievements over the years.

Munster's Ireland squad members will not report for international duty until later this week following the 16-13 European title-clinching victory over Toulouse in Cardiff.

O'Driscoll and company continue their build-up for away Tests against New Zealand and Australia next month by tackling the Barbarians in Gloucester on Tuesday.

And the skipper believes Munster – European champions twice in the last three seasons – have received a raw deal from their critics.

Toulouse fly-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde was among those who condemned Munster's approach to the Millennium Stadium showpiece.

“I think it's a little bit harsh to criticise Munster's style of play,” defended Leinster star O'Driscoll.

“They were in a final, and it doesn't matter how you play in a final. You can play the most unattractive rugby imaginable – it makes no odds because it is about winning.

“The Heineken Cup is notorious for producing poor rugby in a final, but they ground it out.

“They recycled the ball and killed the clock, and I applaud them for it. It typifies the sort of side they are. They are a thinking side.

“To be honest, I am very envious of it and I make no secret of that. They have been in four finals, and for that you have to take your hat off to them.

“I think they have been in the (Heineken Cup) knockout stages for ten years in a row, and for that reason they deserve to be there.

“The position they are in is something we all have to strive for and is something I want to achieve. There are not many players out there with two Heineken Cup winners' medals.

“They rarely play badly, and even when they do have their off-days they push teams to the limit. That is a great skill to have.

“When the Munster players join the squad, I am sure they will bring a huge infectious factor – a real buzz.”