McGahan hails 'ruthless' Munster

Tony McGahan praised his double-chasing Munster side after they ruthlessly dispatched Ospreys in Sunday's Heineken Cup quarter-final at Thomond Park.

Munster thrashed the Welsh region 43-9 in a display that showed why the Irish province are odds-on to retain their Heineken Cup crown in Edinburgh next month, and are also on course to lift the Magners League, with the Australian coach claiming his side's determination to win is "unmatched".

"I think they're always ruthless," said McGahan. "I'm lucky to see them every day in training. They have a competitive streak, a drive, an ambition to be as successful as they can."

He added: "It's unmatched. With experience and the age profile of the players, they realise they need to make the most of every opportunity and they're certainly doing that at the moment.

"I'm delighted for the players. They've put in a lot of work this year - week 42 of the competition - and to be still going strong is a testament to them and all the hard work they've put in during the year."

Meanwhile, Ospreys coach Sean Holley admitted his side were taught a lesson, and backed Munster to retain the Heineken Cup.

Holley, who took over the region in a caretaker capacity at the start of the season, saw his dreams of taking the Swansea-based team to its first ever semi-final go up in smoke after Filo Tiatia's sinbinning in the 25th minute for illegally blocking a run by Paul Warwick.

Holley said: "At this moment, the performance is unexplainable. The only thing I can say is that we were taught a lot of lessons and come second best in every facet of the game, both on and off the field.

"We've been well beaten by a champion team. We have to give them a lot of credit. We're very disappointed. It's been a very painful experience.

"We went into a quarter-final with huge hopes. We've prepared the best that we can."