14-man Munster withstand Northampton fightback

Fourteen-man Munster hung on to claim a Heineken Champions Cup double over Northampton, with Gavin Coombes scoring two first-half tries to help set up a 27-23 win at Thomond Park.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

Munster were leading by 17 points when Jack O'Donoghue was sent off for a high tackle on David Ribbans in the 22nd minute, although Coombes' second try of the game made it 24-0 at half-time.

O'Donoghue had also touched down at that stage, with Joey Carbery booting nine points, but Northampton awoke from their slumber after the interval and will be kicking themselves that they fell short of victory.

Fin Smith converted tries from Tommy Freeman and James Ramm and kicked three penalties, yet his last strike followed Jack Crowley's 75th-minute penalty which proved enough for Munster.

Mike Haley's opening run allowed Carbery to kick the Irish province - 17-6 winners at cinch Stadium before Christmas - into a second-minute lead.

Northampton's early indiscipline then cost them again as the hosts quickly plundered a try. O'Donoghue sniped down the touchline from a lineout move and then, from another penalty, Niall Scannell's inviting pass sent Coombes crashing over in the ninth minute.

TRY MUNSTER - The hosts claim the opening try of the game as Gavin Coombes muscles over from close range #HeinekenChampionsCup