Munster Champions Cup hopes ended by defeat to Castres

Munster saw their hopes of Champions Cup progress end with an agonising 31-29 defeat by Castres at Thomond Park.

Castres – who had also lost 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. Munster responded in the 17th minute through a converted try from Craig Casey after a flowing team move.

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 well-taken try from full-back Theo Chabouni, claiming his own kick, 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.

After Tom Farrell was shown a yellow card for an illegal clearout, Castres produced a strong finish with tries from Geoffrey Palis and then Christian Ambadiang.

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.