Of the many inspiring subplots that emerged following Munster's URC semi-final win over Leinster on Saturday, Keith Earl's performance perhaps mattered the most, given the expectation that he is to retire after the World Cup and the fact that he was not expected to play on Saturday due to injury.
The 35-year-old embodied Munster's 'stand up and fight attitude', with big hits and carries throughout the 80 minutes.
He was joined by his daughters on the pitch after the game, for what could be his final game for Munster on Irish soil, in what was an emotional send-off for one of Ireland's greatest ever wingers.
“Yeah, it was genuinely [season] over,” Earls said on the injury he picked up in April.
But after a couple of days I started feeling a lot better. Good physios, good doctors, good treatment, Graham and the lads looking after me in training and giving me every chance. I was delighted. It was risky but it was well worth the risk.
It was overwhelming at the end. I genuinely shed a tear. You know, it's been a rough season for me personally. It's tough sitting out watching the lads and thankfully I got a shot this week.
It means everything. I haven't won a trophy in 12 years with Munster, and that's something I want to do because there's only, I don't know how long left.
Keith Earls Will Be Back For Another Final
Fantastic composure from Jack Crowley to slot the match-winner 🙌pic.twitter.com/mOrz14DAqb#LEIvMUN #URC #SUAF 🔴
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) May 13, 2023
READ HERE: Leinster Fans Were Furious With Performance Of Referee During Munster Loss
Munster will be travelling to South Africa to face last year's URC winners the Stormers, who were overjoyed at the prospect of playing a home final.
And while Jack Crowley's last drop goal made the victory all the more sweeter, Munster made a number of eye-brow raising calls to go for touch rather than points, something which Earls admits will have to change for the final.
"We genuinely left a couple of scores out there today and we've got to take them in finals if we're going to win it but I think the big thing is recovery, enjoy the dressing-room with the lads, enjoy the review on Tuesday but we've got to switch fairly quickly to see how much we can really improve because we've got to travel there as well, so it's all about looking after our bodies and getting switched on.
"As Pete [O'Mahony] said inside, it can't be our final."
SEE ALSO: The Limerick Radio Commentators Went Absolutely Nuts After Jack Crowley Drop Goal
