Irish international Ronan O'Gara stole the show for Munster as he handed his side a convincing victory over Harlequins in the Heineken Cup.

The fly-half, clearly not deterred by the 9,000-capacity crowd packed into the Twickenham club, scored 16 points in all from a converted try, a drop goal and two penalties to sweep Munster to the top of the table in Pool Four.

Munster's first try came after 40 minutes when O'Gara was on the end of a staunch attack from the Irish side.

Harlequins crumbled under pressure with full-back Mark Mapletoft spilling the ball.

Munster's scrum-half Peter Stringer made the most of it and kicked the ball forward onto the ground into O'Gara's path. O'Gara converted having previously already converted two successful penalties after Tu Tamaura and Keith Wood were penalised.

And O'Gara's form did not falter after the break either. The fly-half added a drop goal with 46 minutes gone.

Quins however were not completely outclassed and proved that they are worthy competitors in the Heineken Cup since their promotion into the European tournament last season with a solid first-half display.

England and Lions star Dan Luger scored their only try with a 14th-minute effort. Quins fly-half Paul Burke started the move after he made a searing break through the midfield.

Burke passed left to Will Greenwood who in turn fed Mapletoft only for the ball to go loose.

Harlequins however regained possession with Luger finally getting his hands on the ball to score. Burke was not as consistent with the boot as usual and missed the conversion and two further penalties.

Munster however proved to be a cut above. Centre Jason Holland converted a drop goal before adding the icing on the cake with a fine 80th-minute try after he intercepted a pass and charged up field.