Heineken Champions Cup: Northampton Saints 6-17 Munster

It was a defensive display by Munster that held out for a win over Northampton Saints.

The first half was dominated by two tries byGavin Coombes.

The Irish province picked up three yellow cards as they were pinned back by the hosts.

Saints were able to dominate possession in the second period, but were unable to break through a strong defence.

With both sides aiming to bounce back from defeats last week, Northampton's plans were disrupted when England lockCourtney Lawes was forced to withdraw shortly before kick-off, having been named to start his first match since September.

Without Lawes, Northampton found themselves under pressure early on and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Coombes forced his way over the line from close range.

Saints responded well and got on the board through a Smith penalty, before Joey Carbery kicked the first of his two penalties.

Smith's second penalty after Carbery's foul on George Furbank was the only points of the first half.

Carbery's conversion gave Graham Rowntree's side an 11 point half time lead.

There was a mass brawl after the restart that resulted in yellow cards for Jack O'Donoghue and Lewis Ludlam.

The referee did not award a Saints penalty try despite a high tackle on James Raam being the reason for the sin-binning of CraigCasey.

Despite spending large spells inside the Irish side's 22, Northampton were unable to make their numerical advantage count as they fell to a rare home defeat.

On January 14th, the sides will meet again.

Line-ups

Matavesi, Painter, Ribbans, Scott-Young, and Augustus were named to the squad.

Iyogun, Petch, Moon and Braley are replacements.

Munster: Haley; Nash, Frisch, Earls, Carbery, Murray, Loughman, Scannell, Ryan and Kleyn.

There are replacements for Kendellen, Scannell, and Kilcoyne.

Match officials

The referee was Pierre-Baptiste Nuchy.

The judges are Jonathan and Kevin.

Eric Briquet- Campin is from France.