O'Connell hails Munster improvement

Paul O'Connell believes Munster answered their critics in the best possible way with a stunning 37-14 bonus-point victory against Perpignan.

The two-time European champions had been under fire following a number of below-par displays this season. But the Red Army stepped up to the plate when it mattered most in the south of France, and became only the third side in Heineken Cup history after Leicester Tigers and London Wasps to register an away success at the Stade Aime Giral.

British Lions and Munster skipper O'Connell said: "It's a great day for us. We put a lot of hard work into the game and we had a big work ethic, especially at the breakdown. We were patient and, once we transferred what we'd been doing on the training ground onto the pitch, then we knew we'd play well."

Munster lead nearest Pool One rivals Northampton Saints by two points after tries from Denis Fogarty, Denis Hurley, Jean de Villiers and Doug Howlett sealed a historic triumph.

And coach Tony McGahan believes their emphatic win on French soil will lay a marker for the rest of the season.

"It's the best away win in my time but we hope there are more games like this in us," said McGahan.

"I'm delighted for the players because they have worked exceptionally hard and are a great bunch of players to be around."