Paterson has slotted 33 successive goalkicks for Scotland, a remarkable run that features 100 per cent records during the World Cup and RBS 6 Nations Championship this season.

But while Gloucester refused to point the finger of blame at him, they were rocked on their heels by his uncharacteristic errors.

Gloucester didn't trouble the scorers until 14 minutes from time when fly-half Ryan Lamb landed a penalty after he was handed kicking duties, yet Munster were already cruising through tries in each half by wings Ian Dowling and Doug Howlett.

Munster's 16-3 victory gave them a tournament record third quarter-final away win - and left Gloucester still scratching at the surface of a competition they cannot crack.

Ryan said: "Munster are a team built for European rugby and have been schooled in it for years.

"We are slightly different, with a young core of players and a game based on movement. We did plenty of good things, but we couldn't quite break through.

"That was Test match-intensity rugby, and we will be better for it.

"We know we need to become better at certain aspects of our game but I am convinced we are moving forward.

"I am not going to deviate from what I believe is right. I am passionate in my belief this group of players will get better for that experience."

Gloucester would have built a 9-3 lead had Paterson prove reliable, yet a Ronan O'Gara penalty and Dowling touchdown meant 2006 European champions Munster enjoyed an eight-point interval advantage.

Howlett's 62nd-minute try then killed the game as a contest, moving Munster to within 80 minutes of their second Heineken Cup final appearance in three seasons.

"We didn't get the points on the board. They took their opportunities, kept things tight in the second half and controlled the tempo of the game," said Lamb.

"Chris is a world-class kicker. He didn't have his best day but his record speaks for itself.

"Sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don't."

Centre James Simpson-Daniel added: "We felt we had a go at Munster in some areas, but they defended extremely well.

"It reinforces the point that you need to take your chances when you play against these top sides.

"I have played against Munster several times and that was the most solid Munster side I've experienced. They are so clinical and ruthless."

There was a considerable crumb of comfort for Gloucester provided by England centre Mike Tindall's reappearance off the bench two months after he suffered a torn liver, punctured lung and internal bleeding while on Six Nations duty against Wales at Twickenham.

Tindall also took over the captaincy when lock Marco Bortolami was substituted but Munster were in no mood to allow him a fairytale return.

Munster skipper Paul O'Connell said: "We were a bit lucky that Gloucester missed their early kicks, but on the other hand we took our own chances.

"Experience always plays a part in games like these but what was more important was a very honest effort from numbers one to 15, and also from the bench."

Munster's juggernaut pack delivered another impressive display, recovering superbly from the loss of prop Marcus Horan before kick-off due to a back spasm.

It was behind the scrum, though, where they really impressed as Howlett and his fellow southern hemisphere imports Rua Tipoki and Lifeimi Mafi all made huge contributions.

Tipoki added: "Playing for this team is an amazing feeling. The camaraderie and the support you get out there is unbelievable.

"I definitely want to get to the final in Cardiff (on May 24), so it's all guns blazing for that now."