The south of France had a mini-invasion this week as upwards of 3,000 Munster supporters came to witness one of their side's most memorable victories in 10 years of European Cup rugby.

Declan Kidney's side ran out easy 46-9 winners albeit against an understrength and disinterested Castres outfit, who had nothing to play for with their qualification hopes already up in smoke.

Tries from Marcus Horan and Shaun Payne helped Munster establish a 13-9 interval lead after a first half played against a gusty wind.

Kidney's men bossed the second half as everything seemed to click in attack - fit-again lock Paul O'Connell, making his first European Cup appearance of the season, scored two tries, as did young replacement Tomas O'Leary. Right winger John Kelly, whom O'Leary replaced, was also on the mark.

Munster now face a must-win clash with long-time Pool leaders Sale at Thomond Park next Saturday.

Foley said: ''It's easy to play rugby when you have supporters like we have.

''They were tremendous out there - they're the heartbeat of this side.

''Against the wind, we tried to play all the rugby in the first half. We just played the elements and gradually turned the screw.''