Brian O’Driscoll rounded on those who questioned Leinster’s heart as the man of the match showed yet again that the hunger remains in a stunning display at Croke Park.

An intercept try and long run to score under the posts wrapped up a fine performance from the Ireland captain, who outlined the motivation behind their victory.

“I don’t think it was necessarily 2006, we’d lost twice to Munster this season and we really felt that we owed them one. I think people had questioned our integrity and our pride by questioning our passion, and I thought we produced a big passionate performance today to try and quieten those detractors,” said O’Driscoll.

He was quick to heap praise on Leinster’s forward unit, and believed his personal award could have gone to any on the pack, who stared down their opposition in a brilliant collective effort.

“I have to say it’s a little embarrassing, looking at some of the performances it’s hard to pick one of the eight of them. I’ll certainly except that on behalf of them, they were immense and they set the platform to get our tries.”

O’Driscoll highlighted the breakdown as the key to their success, allowing a backline that had failed to fire in recent Heineken Cup clashes use the full width of Croke Park on the day.

“Games are won and lost at ruck-time, the speed of ball you create can stop and slow down your opposition’s ball. We managed to get some quick ball going forward and we managed to slow them down which is exactly how we wanted it.”

He also pointed to the performance of Jonathon Sexton, who replaced the injured Felipe after 25 minutes and went on to play a crucial role as he outshone Ronan O’Gara.

“Jonno has been playing extremely well, he’s come on in a lot of Magners League games after 55 or 60 minutes and he’s been playing really well,” said O’Driscoll.

“We didn’t feel we were losing anything when he came in, he’s a great controlling ten and I think he’s learned a huge amount this year. Fingers crossed Phil will be fit in three weeks’ time, but it’s great to have a replacement like Jonno. He’s going to have to step into those shoes next year when Phil is gone.”

Leinster coach Michael Chieka praised his side’s ability to keep their heads on a day of massive intensity both on and off the pitch

“We stayed composed at the right times and defensively we were up to the task. It is exciting we have got an opportunity to play in the Heineken Cup final.”

“We have had a good game today and done well and qualified for the final — but the final is not the prize. When we have got the trophy, they can’t take that away from us.

“We haven’t done it yet. We have won a semi-final and will have to go up against a team who are in red-hot form. We have to continue the belief we have.”

Munster skipper Paul O’Connell put his hands up and admitted the reigning champions had been outplayed on the day, giving special praise to the Leinster forward unit that suffocated them at every turn.

“We didn’t play well, no doubt about it, we probably weren’t allowed to play well. They were very tough up front and scored two good tries out wide and Brian got an interception as well. We were pretty much second place in every facet of the game today.

“I’ll give them massive credit, they were far and away the better pack; tackled very well and carried very well and dominated us an the breakdown as well,” he said.

O’Connell admitted his side got off to a poor start and failed to muster any momentum. “I just think we had a shaky start and it kind of took root for the rest of the game. Leinster got great belief from that and we couldn’t get any quick ball and they took their breaks whenever we had momentum. They were very clever, played a very good game, so full credit to them, they were excellent,” he concluded.

Munster coach Tony McGahan admitted he was “absolutely shattered” after an error-strewn performance and heavy defeat.

“Words couldn’t describe how difficult it is to take,” said McGahan. “The Heineken Cup for Munster is everything and we were second best today and it will certainly hurt for a long, long time. The performance, the scoreboard and losing to Leinster obviously hurts.

“We expected Leinster to produce their best game and today they didn’t disappoint. They played on the back of a wonderful defensive display. It will take a very good side to turn them over.”