Munster skipper Ronan O'Gara admitted the fear of failure inspired his match-winning display which condemned Wasps to a Heineken Cup exit.

O'Gara kicked 14 points in treacherous conditions at Thomond Park and set up the decisive try for Denis Leamy as Munster surged to the top of Pool Five.

The 19-3 victory secured the European heavyweights an unprecedented 10th successive season in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, ending Wasps' defence of the title in the process.

And it was that proud record which spurred on O'Gara, whose job was made all the easier by the work of a dominant pack.

"I don't want to speak about my own performance but one thing I will say is that I've really enjoyed the captaincy," he said.

"During the week I was well aware that if we didn't win I'd be the first Munster captain in a decade to preside over failure to reach the quarter-finals.

"That was pressure on my shoulders so before we ran out I asked the forwards for a big performance and they delivered.
 
"The sum of Munster's parts is always greater than the individuals but there are some cracking athletes at this club.

"When you factor in that passion, desire and will to win for each other, it's a good formula."

Traditionally Wasps thrive in the face of adversity and have collected an array of major European scalps on their travels.

But even they could not storm Thomond Park as Munster's Limerick stronghold, midway through redevelopment yet still packed to the rafters, claimed another high-profile English victim.

The match was played in horrendous conditions and O'Gara was thrilled at the way his side adapted to the incessant rain to progress as group winners.

"The most pleasing moment of this Heineken Cup was the way we stuck in there against Clermont last weekend," he said.

"We battled away for a bonus point and that proved crucial because the conditions yesterday meant we would not be scoring four tries against Wasps.

"A lot of the lads were disappointed when they saw the weather because they fancied having a go.

"You couldn't play much rugby in that rain but the rugby we did play was sensible and got us where we want to be."

Wasps were unhappy with the performance of referee Nigel Owens, who sent Simon Shaw and Lawrence Dallaglio to the sin-bin and left the holders on the wrong end of the penalty count.

But O'Gara had no complaints with the Welsh official.

"The referee was strong and that was you needed. We studied him going into the game," he said.

"One of his big things is not staying on your feet at ruck time.

"If you went over the top when the pressure was on he'd penalise you and he was very consistent with that.

"He was very strong and clear with what he wanted. I was impressed by him."

Munster's advance to the knockout stages has given Irish rugby a welcome lift ahead of the RBS 6 Nations with Eddie O'Sullivan's side eager to atone for a dismal World Cup.

"A lot of the Munster lads played poorly in the World Cup yet now we're firing and you have to wonder why," said O'Gara.

"We do our best every Saturday, that's how honest we are. But I can't give answers on why it goes like this one week and like that the next.

"I haven't started thinking about the Six Nations yet and don't want to until next week.

"I've enjoyed the last 10 weeks with Munster. We've come through a tough group and should enjoy that."