You are in > manchester.com  > News > Munster book place in Heineken Cup final after tense win

Rugby Union

Munster book place in Heineken Cup final after tense win

27/04/2008

Munster will clash with Toulouse in the Heineken Cup final after beating Saracens 18-16 at the Ricoh Arena.

The Irish side led 15-7 at the break thanks to tries from Ronan O'Gara and Alan Quinlan, while Kamile Ratuvou touched down for Saracens.

Glen Jackson kicked over three second-half penalties to reduce their deficit, before Munster snatched victory with O'Gara's penalty 14 minutes from time.

Saracens made an explosive start and touched down on five minutes when Ratuvou dived under the posts, with Jackson slotting over the extras.

But Munster responded through an O'Gara penalty, and then took an 8-7 lead when the outside-half sold his marker a dummy before galloping past the line on 26 minutes.

The Irish side increased their lead on the stroke of half-time when flanker Quinlan picked up the ball at the base of the ruck and bulldozed over the line, with O'Gara booting over the conversion.

In a nervy second half, Saracens gradually reduced their deficit to two points thanks to a couple of penalties in 15 minutes from Jackson.

Munster increased their advantage to five points with another O'Gara penalty, but that was soon cancelled out by Jackson.

The 2006 champions' defence held out in the closing stages to seal their place in the final.