Pricey's Postscript
Spurn your chances at your peril - that's the message that comes over loud and clear after today's game. I'm not just talking about the three "gimme" penalties missed in the early stages of the game, I'm also talking about the the long periods of time spent in the Munster 22 that went unrewarded.
Munster on the other hand snapped up their chances and I suppose o Gloucester's credit credit they didn't have that many.
So another Heineken campaign, a campaign that started so promisingly, has ended in disappointment. Gloucester played well but Munster played better and by better. I mean with more ferocity, more skill and probably more passion. Their forward pack was almost feral at the breakdown as they tore into what seemed to be Gloucester's safe possession. All too often the excellent work of the front row was wasted at the subsequent breakdown when time and time again Munster either turned over ball or slowed it up to enable their defence to reset.
Our line-out was better and the defence was excellent. The backs sparkled but all that counts for very little if you don't convert the effort into points. Heineken Cup rugby is at a different level to The Premiership and today we saw at first hand why Munster are up there with the best.
J.G.P. 5/4/2008

NOT MANY CHANCES CROP UP IN TOP MATCHES.
Gloucester missed what few chances they had, together with simple mistakes and too many turn-overs, all proved to be costly and were soundly beaten by a better seasoned Munster team.
Munster deserved the win at Kingsholm for taking their chances, eight points in each half to underline their experience with an efficient, if not outstanding, capable performance based on a solid defensive effort.
Despite an encouraging start, for all their first half exertions and pressure, the Cherry and Whites were unable to break their opponent’s defence and make it count to put points on the board when it mattered.
Doubtless Scottish international Chris Paterson will be singled out as the villain of the piece, missing three kickable shots at goal, as for some unknown reason his legendary accuracy seems to have deserted him - his kicking boots must be with the Scottish kit bag but for all their efforts Gloucester lacked a true cutting edge against a combative defence.
Gloucester did supply some early momentum to establish a territorial advantage but it was not sustained - too many costly turn-overs.
To all intents and purposes the Munster defence managed to hold firm to finish the game on top having scored one try in each half through their wingers, without conceding one.
Munster had the experience and know-how to survive and absorb all that Gloucester could muster so for the home side it was another case of a dream that might have been, whereas for the visiting Irishmen it was the reality of yet another Heineken Cup semi-final. after a tenth quarter-final.
Dean Ryan has assembled a worthy collection of talented players but whether the best team is selected is a moot point. Too often Gloucester seem like a band of individuals rather than a cohesive unit.
The opening stages were fray with plenty of big-hits from both sides before referee Nigel Owens lectured the captains. He then handed out a yellow card to Carlos Nieto for not rolling away which enabled Munster's Ronan O’Gara to slot the simple penalty.
Paterson missed his kicks but the home side’s scrum exerted real pressure and Munster replaced prop Tony Buckley with former Gloucester player Federico Pucciarello.
For a time Gloucester were virtually camped on their opponent’ line but could find no way through but when they lost the ball the visitors broke away to the opposite end and a series of passing movements ended up with winger Dowling going over in the corner to extend the Munster lead. 8-0.
Mike Tindall replaced Anthony Allen who appeared to be suffering with rib injury but at half-time Gloucester may have had the better of the first period but had absolutely nothing to show for their efforts.
There was a less frantic start to the second half as Munster took the sting out of Gloucester by slowing things down and although James Simpson-Daniel made in-roads, desperate tackles from Munster ensured their line remained intact before another turn-over enabled the visitors to get the vital first score of the period when O’Gara kicked a second penalty.
Dean Ryan rang the changes but for all their endeavour no score was forthcoming and when a move broke down in mid-field a Munster kick-ahead resulted in their second try as Doug Howlett scored in the corner.
To their credit Gloucester never gave up, Ryan Lamb kicked a consolation penalty but there was no come-back as Munster closed the game down to ensure another Heineken Cup semi-final trip for the Irish.
For Gloucester another set-back. The loss of an eighth match since Christmas ensures the slide downhill continues.
A season that looked so promising at the turn of the year now looks to be taking on crisis proportions. Gloucester have not become a bad side but they are not yet good enough to win the bigger matches.
The Premiership Play–offs now are beginning to look decidedly dodgy.
Great atmosphere at Kingsholm. Great occasion.
Pity about the result but just as off the pitch, the impressive new C&G Stand is a great improvement but let down by obstructed viewing for the paying public.
On the pitch, an improved squad is a let down by losing against true top opposition when the chips are down.
T.H. 6/4/2008