Munster captain Paul O’Connell believes his team-mates gave head coach Declan Kidney the perfect send-off by lifting the European Cup.
Munster defeated Toulouse 16-13 in Cardiff to win their second European crown in three years on Saturday.
Kidney now takes up the Ireland job after guiding the Red Army to their fourth European Cup final under his reign. O’Connell said: “Declan and the other coaches didn’t want to mention leaving but it was in the back of all the players minds and we’re delighted to give them what they deserve.”
“This was his reward after giving so much to Munster.”
Denis Leamy’s first half try gave the Irish province a 10-6 interval lead before Toulouse hit back thanks to wing Yves Donguy’s score after the break.
But Ronan O’Gara’s third penalty with 15 minutes remaining clinched victory for Munster at the Millennium Stadium. Kidney said: “I will enjoy this one because it’s special. To win the European Cup once was a dream, but to win it twice is something truly special. You need to enjoy the moment.”
“It’s a very emotional dressing room. I remember Mick Galway once said that you have to lose one to win one, but we had to lose two to win two.”
“We learned the lessons of those defeats and we should really thank all the people who have played for Munster over the last 100 years for handing us the privileged position that we are in now. But we’re going to enjoy this moment for some time. Were the lucky ones.”
“It was a hugely disciplined performance. Not many teams get the better of Toulouse and it’s fantastic when you look at their pedigree. Everyone knows about the draw we got ten months ago but we’re delighted.”
Toulouse coach Guy Noves sparked a debate over the choice of match referee Nigel Owen of Wales after admitting he was unhappy at his selection.
Noves was incensed that Owens was picked to officiate the final after also being in charge of several Munster matches along their route to the Millennium Stadium, including their quarter- and semi-finals.Noves said: “I respect the way Munster play to the limit of the law in the way their defensive line stopped us playing. The referee controlled the contract area in a certain way and Munster have played before with the same referee (Nigel Owens of Wales) in the pool stage, quarter-final, semi-final and final.”
“I’ve never seen that happen before but it meant Munster knew how to play to his style.”
But Kidney responded in emphatic fashion. He said: “You are questioning the professionalism of the referee which is unfair. I thought he handled the game well and had a good game.”
But the legendary Toulouse coach insisted he had no qualms over the result. Noves said: “We thought we could win this close game but Munster were far more physical in the ruck and effective at the lineout.”
“That enabled them to get the final score and close the game out.”
Toulouse skipper Fabien Pelous, who was yellow carded in the 50th minute, said: “I was embarrassed that I reacted for the yellow card, especially at my age.”
“We played well and were right in it to the end but we didn’t finish our chances and turn our play into points. In the end it came down to one penalty but it was Munster’s capacity to keep the ball and stop us playing that enabled them to win.”
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