Munster fulfilled a dual mission in the Heineken European Cup before 6,000 of their own faithful followers at Thomond Park last Saturday when they defeated last season's Conference winners Bourgoin by 17 points to 15. It was a case of Munster keeping the best until the last five minutes as they won the match with the most telling and creative movement of an overcast afternoon, a move which produced the matchwinning and only try of the game, scored by right wing John Lacey in the 76th minute.

Following away defeats by Harlequins and Cardiff, Munster had to win to keep their hopes of qualification alive. In addition, this victory preserved a precious 100 per cent home record for Munster in the European Cup stretching back over three years. Bourgoin went the way of Swansea, Milan and Wasps who all perished on Munster soil in this competition.

Next up will be Cardiff who visit Musgrave Park next Saturday and as a very pleased and relieved Munster manager Jerry Holland put it, "This win gives the match against Cardiff huge significance. By winning, it also gives the team a great lift and every possible incentive against Cardiff. We are back in contention now and must make the most of it."

Coach Niall O'Donovan and Holland readily agreed that this was not vintage Munster, but the important thing is that it was sufficient for the team's needs. "It was not a great match, but it was a huge win for us," said O'Donovan. "It was a must-win situation and the players responded. We found ourselves with big deficits after the early stages of the matches against Harlequins and Cardiff and ended chasing the matches. We were determined we would not be in a similar position on this occasion. "That probably induced an element of caution. But it was that kind of match, crucial for both teams and we held the French very well. "

It certainly was not a free flowing spectacular - frequent handling errors and turn-overs contributed to that element. In addition, the French facility for killing the ball did not aid continuity, a point stressed by Holland. But referee Huw Lewis regularly penalised the French for their obstructive approach and facility for going off side.

The try that won the match was as O'Donovan described it "a beauty". It came late but in essence it came at the right moment. Munster trailed by 15-12 and time was running out. Their attempts to break the French down with forward assaults had been repulsed and they did not stand on ceremony.

In one Munster assault, their prop Olivier Milloud was given a yellow card after a touch judge intervention when Milloud took out Peter Clohessy with vigorous use of a knee. Milloud was promptly withdrawn. At that point Munster trailed 15-9 but when Conor Burke kicked his fourth penalty of the match in the 68th minute, the scene was set for the big finish and it duly arrived.

With five minutes to go, Burke hit an upright with a penalty attempt and the ball was cleared to touch. But Shane Leahy, who with Mick Galwey did very well in the line out, won the ball. Munster drove forward and the ball was run from a ruck. Brain O'Meara moved it smartly to Killian Keane, he found support from Burke who made ground and Andrew Thompson, who came in from the blind side wing, took Burke's pass and then transferred to Lacey, who scored in the right corner. Burke missed the conversion, but Munster had a precious two points lead.

Bourgoin attacked in an effort to save the match, but those attacks were repulsed if not without some anxiety. Munster defended a scrum near their line with great effect. The closing moments, with play deep in Munster territory, offered the kind of situation in which a penalty might well have been conceeded. But discipline and control were maintained. Burgoin had in full back Patrice Favre a man who had kicked four goals from five attempts and outside half Nigel Geany dropped a goal. No such late opportunities came their way.

Bourgoin led 9-6 at the interval, but having played into the wind, Munster had reason to feel satisfied with their first half containment. The back row of Eddie Halvey, Anthony Foley and "man of the match" Alan Quinlan was a very effective unit.

The Munster pack was a match for the opposition. The Bourgoin backs were kept well in check but centre Stephane Glas made one fine break and might well have prospered if given greater opportunity. But generally it was a day when the tactical kick rather than the creative urge predominated. But creativity won the day and it was fitting, and on balance just, that the side that scored the only try reaped the harvest.