WATCH: Chris Ashton Pretty Much Sums Up Munster’s Win With This Reaction
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You’ve just been Munstered.
Yes it happened. Yes they did it. No it’s not an April Fools. In case you were under a rock all day yesterday, Munster somehow reached yet another Champions Cup semi-final with a 20-19 win over French giants Toulon.
Munster made 161 tackles to Toulon’s 70. 299 metres to the Top 14 side’s 536. Just one clean break to Toulon’s 4. Had less than 40% possession, yet still came out on top in front of their Thomond Park faithful.
Two moments ultimately decided the game. A moment of pure genius and experience from scrumhalf Conor Murray, and a moment of sheer and utter brilliance from Andrew Conway.
After the game head coach Johann van Graan was understandably full of emotion, on what was a very special day in Limerick.
“The Munster way is to do it the difficult way.”
“If it’s going to be better than this, it’s going to be something amazing. All the odds were stacked against us and I don’t think a lot of people gave us a chance, but if you’ve got 23 guys who believe, as well as the coaching and management that believe, a squad that believes, a club that really believes, you can do the unthinkable and make dreams come true.”
He even said yesterday was probably he best moment in rugby, in terms of emotion.
“In terms of emotion, this is close to the best for me personally,” said the former Springboks forwards coach.
“Beating the All Blacks is a big part of rugby but in terms of Munster, this is incredible.
“I said from day one: it’s not about me. I want to be part of something special and I’m proud to be the coach for a performance like that. All credit to all the management and players.
“One of my personal sayings is that one point is the biggest and smallest margin in the world. We’ll take one point.”
But it was Chris Ashton’s reaction after the final whistle that pretty much sums up the entire game. If you watch closely, you can see the England fullback say:
“What just happened”
We’re not quite sure Chris. But it was very special.
You know when you've been Munstered!!
Lots of @Munsterrugby fans still asking themselves same question as Ashton!! Incredible from the team. @RCTofficiel deserve credit for their part in great game.#SUAF pic.twitter.com/bHa9NPaLRb
— Jim Harty (@jimharty) April 1, 2018