Ronan O’Gara’s conversion of wing John Kelly’s last-minute try ensured Munster had a better points difference as they, Gloucester and group winners Perpignan all finished on eight points.

Gloucester’s travelling support of around 2,000 fans could not believe it after the Zurich Premiership leaders were destroyed in a clinical fashion.

Kelly scored two tries, while there were also touchdowns for his fellow wing Mossie Lawlor and lock Mick O’Driscoll – and O’Gara kicked 13 points.

Gloucester were outplayed in every department and could have not complained whatsoever about the result.

“It was a nightmare performance – our lineouts and scrums didn’t function,” said rugby director Melville.

“But Munster were excellent. Ronan O’Gara kicked really well, so let’s not take anything away from Munster.

“This is a massive disappointment, but we cannot go away and bury our heads in the sand.

“It is very hard to take. But key parts of our game didn’t work, and if you don’t get your set-piece right then you can’t function.

“We didn’t perform on this occasion, but the team is better than that. Every player has to look at his performance today and put his hand up.”

Gloucester’s desolation was in stark contrast to the Munster mood.

The Irish outfit had not failed to reach the Heineken Cup knockout stages since 1998 – and they are now there again, facing a possible quarter-final away to neighbours Leinster in April.

“We knew what we had to do today, and it came off,” said Munster captain Jim Williams.

“My main concern going into the game was just winning it. But we knew we had to work on giving ourselves scoring opportunities, and the attacking positions came for us.

“In terms of my career today is right up there. It was something special – a very special atmosphere,” said the Australian international.