Such analysis comes naturally, one surmises, due to a decade of remarkable consistency in the most attritional field sport of all, with the Munster story best exemplified by John Hayes's remarkable longevity.

This time last season, the province was producing arguably the greatest brand of rugby we've ever seen on this island, the quality of their play somewhat overlooked by the time Leinster came a calling at Croke Park.

The Heineken Cup quarter-final victory over the Ospreys was the high-water mark of the campaign - and that was less than six months ago with practically the same team.

So anyone out there talking about the end of an era and all that really ought to know better - you dismiss Munster at their peril.

The victory over Perpignan on a chilly night at Thomond Park offered further evidence of what makes Munster a team which continues to stand alone.

On the day that the province lost one of its great talents in Johnny Moroney, who played his part in the 1967 defeat of Australia, the spirit of Munster shone as brightly on the paddock as the Christmas tree in the middle of the Shannon.

There were problems in both the scrum and lineout, and the video analysis of the three conceded tries will make for uncomfortable viewing when the team reassembles during the week for training.

Despite all of this, despite losing three to zip on the try count, Munster still emerged victorious against the French champions, whose losing bonus point keeps them in the Pool One hunt.

The strength of Munster's character is one element of their make-up that can never be called into question.

When Ulster ruled the interpro roost in the 80s, none of the small dedicated number that then followed the men in red around Ireland ever questioned their bottle.

In fact, no-one really had until a few high-profile defeats of late, beginning with the reversal to Leinster at Croke Park - which included some lopsided analysis that ignored the quality of Leinster's performance.

On the road, Munster have found the going tough, but just look at both the Magners League and Heineken Cup this season - they've been wildly unpredictable, having thrown up some unexpected results. And both competitions are all the better for that.

But Munster, despite not hitting the ground running this time around, remain in control of their own destiny in Europe and only three points shy of the Magners League summit. Some crisis alright.

Some have chosen to illustrate Munster's less than smooth opening to the campaign through one player: Ronan O'Gara.

By not producing his customary 9/10 display every week, lazy critics have claimed that the Lions tour has left some emotional scarring in our number 10. Has it? Only ROG knows that.

But last night, O'Gara was at his outstanding best, kicking seven penalties and a clever drop goal off his left boot.

He directed Munster's attack excellently, and though forays into the Perpignan 22 weren't as plentiful as one might have hoped for, O'Gara ensured the game was mostly played inside the visitor's half.

On Sunday week, the province will call on all their European experience to see off the French, with the minimum return of a single point next week likely to knock Perpignan out of the Pool One shakedown.

But don't expect Munster to approach the trip to the Stade Aime Giral that way.

Tony McGahan knows that a win will put his men firmly in control of the pool and while Perpignan don't lose too many in their own backyard, only a fool would dismiss Munster's chances.

Denis Leamy was outstanding all game long (what back row spoils Irish rugby currently possess), as were Donncha O'Callaghan and Paul O'Connell. The men we expected to stand up once again did so. Mumhan abú!

Munster: P Warwick; D Howlett, K Earls, L Mafi, D Hurley; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; W du Preez, D Fogarty, J Hayes; D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell (capt); A Quinlan, D Wallace, D Leamy. Replacements: D Varley for Fogarty (62 mins), T Buckley for Hayes (70 mins), J de Villiers for Warwick (75 mins). Not used : M O'Driscoll, D Ryan, N Ronan, P Stringer.

Perpignan: J Porical; F Sid, D Marty, M Mermoz, C Manas; G Hume, N Durand; P Freshwater, G Guirado, N Mas (capt), O Olibeau, R Tchale Watchou, Y Vivalda, B Guiry, Y Parent. Replacements: M Tincu for Guirado (20-26 mins, 61 mins), J Schuster for Freshwater, R Alvarez Kairelis for Olibeau (both 61 mins), C Geli for Vivalda, D Mele for Durand, P Burger for Porical (all 64 mins), K Pulu for Mas (72 mins). Not used : J Grandclaude.

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England).