Two-time winners Munster dumped out of Champions Cup; Lei...

What’s Happening

Real talk: Two-time European winners Munster were dumped out of the Champions Cup at the pool stage for just the fourth time since 1999 as they were stunned by Castres at Thomond Park 31-29.

Tries: Casey (18,35), Abrahams (47), Edogbo (60,78) Conversions: Crowley (19,79) Tries: Karawalevu (11), Chabouni (39), Palis (68), Ambadiang (73) Conversions: Fernandez (12,40), Herve (69,74) Penalties: Fernandez (3) Munster vs Castres Investec Champions Cup 5:30pm Saturday 17th January Two-time European winners Munster were dumped out of the Champions Cup at the pool stage for just the fourth time since 1999 as they were stunned Thomond Park 31-29. Castres - who had also took an L two of their opening three games in Pool 2 - got on the board early through a penalty from Jeremy Fernandez before Vuate Karawalevu went over from close range. (shocking, we know)

Munster responded in the 17th minute through a converted try from Craig Casey after a flowing team move.

The Details

Munster completed the turnaround in the 35th minute when Casey went over again, coming off the back of a rolling maul following a lineout, but Castres regrouped with a try from full-back Theo Chabouni to go into half-time with a 17-12 lead. The home side got themselves back on level terms soon after the restart when Thaakir Abrhams dived over in the corner, but Jack Crowley could not land the extras from out on the right.

Edwin Edogbo then added a bonus-point try just before the hour to move Munster ahead 22-17 - but again Crowley was off target with the conversion. After Tom Farrell was shown a pivotal yellow card for an illegal clearout, Castres produced a strong finish with tries from Geoffrey Palis and then Christian Ambadiang.

Why This Matters

With five minutes left, Castres lock Leone Nakarawa was sent to the sin-bin, and Munster got another try as Edogbo barged over to close within two points, but came up just short. It ends in defeat at Thomond Park. Com/4oTA79IkQO Leicester’s last-16 hopes were left in tatters after a 39-26 defeat Cape Town.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

The Bottom Line

Com/4oTA79IkQO Leicester’s last-16 hopes were left in tatters after a 39-26 defeat Cape Town. Early tries from Evan Roos and Andre-Hugo Venter put the hosts in control before George Pearson pulled one back.

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