Northampton edge out Munster in European humdinger

Munster are set for an away last-16 encounter after falling just short in a Champions Cup classic to Northampton Saints in Franklin's Gardens.

Tom Seabrook's hat-trick ultimately propelled the hosts to victory and top spot in the pool in a free-scoring encounter, while Calvin Nash and Diarmuid Kilgallen scored a brace of tries apiece for the visitors.

Seabrook's third try - and Northampton's fifth - scored off a first-phase move following a lineout appeared to have given the home side a cushion entering the closing stages.

However, with the clock ticking past 68 minutes Kilgallen touched down in the corner for his second try to assure Munster of a four-try bonus point and give them a puncher's shot at stealing the win.

Jack Crowley, who delivered a magnificent display in the play-making role, nailed a nerveless conversion from the touchline. Suddenly, they were within one kick of the lead again, evoking memories of Ronan O'Gara's mammoth 2011 drop-goal against the same opposition.

Crowley, fizzing with confidence, made a break down the right, carrying Munster into the opposition half. A penalty was all that was required but the home side maintained their discipline and as Munster's attack lost its forward momentum, replacement Henry Pollock turned over the ball at the ruck and Northampton booted into the stand to seal the win.

The match-up is one with plenty of back-story in European competition, the Northampton Heineken Cup winning side of 2000 being paraded around the pitch at half-time as a reminder.

The hosts' made early pressure count to take the lead on 14 minutes, Seabrook jogging over in the corner after being fed by Rory Hutchinson.

Munster were under the cosh for the opening 20 minutes, attack coach Mike Prendergast