Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MUNSTER MAGIC DOWNS TOULS
JOHANN VAN GRAAN got the warrior mentality he asked for as injury-ravaged Munster went heavy on the miracle again at Thomond Park.
Down a host of frontline stars and with Simon Zebo off injured after 25 minutes, the Reds pulled off another famous victory on their home patch to reach their 13th Champions Cup semi-final in 17 attempts.
Andrew Conway has surely achieved legendary status round these parts with the try four minutes from time that beat Toulon.
Brilliantly fielding a clearance just inside the touchline and close to the Toulon 10 metre line, Conway – a major fitness doubt beforehand – cut inside three defenders to go over close to the posts and make it an easier conversion kick for Ian Keatley.
The out-half nailed it to put Munster one point ahead and the Reds held out as Toulon went through 20 phases in the last play of the game but crucially conceded a penalty to end a classic contest.
Coach Van Graan (inset) said: “I’ve a massive feeling of gratitude being a part of this, and this unbelievable rugby club.
“I’ve seen in my life when people believe, it’s incredible what human beings can do.
“I mean if you look at the two teams, we were up against it from the first minute so I’m privileged to coach against a lot of those players. It’s incredible what we did today.
“I can mention every guy who took to the field, they really put their bodies on the line and they pulled us through. Munster magic came through today.”