WATCH: 14-man Munster Rugby repel Northampton fightback to score crucial Champions Cup win

FOURTEEN-MAN Munster Rugby ultimately repelled a storming second half fightback from Northampton Saints before securing a precious 27-23 Heineken Champions Cup pool fixture success at Thomond Park on Saturday afternoon.

Munster looked well-placed to enjoy a far more comfortable afternoon when leading the Premiership side 24-0 at half-time, despite losing tryscorer Jack O'Donoghue to a red card in the 22nd minute for a high tackle on Northampton lock David Ribbons.

O'Donoghue's try, a brilliant team effort score, was one of three the home side managed in that opening half, the other two scored from close range by Gavin Coombes.

However, Munster had to withstand a Saints onslaught after the restart. Tommy Freeman and James Ramm crossed for Saints after the break, with Fin Smith adding 13 points from the tee, but the visitors were unable to get that final score to cap their superb comeback and they had to be content with a losing bonus point which leaves them bottom of the pool.

A Jack Crowley penalty, Munster's only score of the second half, provided some relief for the attendance of more than 22,000.

However, Smith's 79th minute penalty ensured a few more anxious moments for the Thomond Park faithful before full-time sounded.

This is absolute class from @Munsterrugby ✨

Gavin Coombes provides the assist for Jack O'Donoghue scores with ease #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/MiOzn5CHl6

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 14, 2023

Munster opened the scoring after just two minutes, Joey Carbery dissecting the uprights from long range.

A first try for the Irish province soon followed. Coombes was the beneficiary of a tap and go after a penalty awarded deep in Northampton territory, the Munster No.8 powering over from close range.

It was to get worse for Northampton as hooker Michael Haywood was sent to the sin bin for a late challenge on Carbery.

A second try followed midway through the first half. Coombes was again involved as he made the offload to an onrushing O’Donoghue, who scampered home unopposed. The timing of the pass impeccable.

A lightning start for @Munsterrugby ⚡️

Straight out of the blocks with a try #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/hMU0SB6XAh

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 14, 2023

O’Donoghue would go from hero to villain in a matter of moments, though, as he was shown a red card for a high tackle.

However, Coombes was in the action once again on the half hour, after Munster were awarded a penalty deep in Northampton territory. A series of pick-and-goes followed, with Coombes the eventual try-scorer as he powered over from close range.

Northampton finally broke their duck in the second period after winning a penalty deep in Munster territory. Saints moved the ball from right to left and into the hands of Freeman, who dotted down for the Gallagher Premiership side. Smith then added a penalty to reduce the deficit further.

The visitors continued to capitalise on their man advantage by moving the ball quickly through their hands. Midway through the second period, Ramm executed a perfect kick-chase down the right flank and powered over from a pick-and-go.

FT: Munster 27-23 Northampton

14-man Munster show incredible heart to come out on top against Northampton ✨#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/6XSxsdNx8D

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 14, 2023

Smith and Jack Crowley exchanged penalties to leave the score 27-20 heading into the final few minutes. Smith then opted to kick another penalty, rather than kick for the corner, to close the deficit to four, but Saints were unable to make anything of the restart.

Munster close their Pool B campaign with a trip to five-time Heineken Champions Cup winners Stade Toulousain, while Northampton host defending champions Stade Rochelais in Round 4.

MUNSTER RUGBY: 15. Mike Haley, 14. Calvin Nash, 13. Antoine Frisch, 12. Jack Crowley, 11. Shane Daly, 10. Joey Carbery, 9. Craig Casey, 1. Dave Kilcoyne, 2. Niall Scannell, 3. Roman Salanoa, 4. Jean Kleyn, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Jack O'Donoghue, 7. Peter O'Mahony (Capt), 8. Gavin Coombes. Replacements: 16. Scott Buckley, 17. Josh Wycherley, 18. John Ryan, 19. John Hodnett, 20. Alex Kendellen, 21. Paddy Patterson, 22. Rory Scannell, 23. Liam Coombes.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS: 15. George Furbank, 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Matt Proctor, 12. Rory Hutchinson, 11. James Ramm, 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Alex Waller, 2. Mikey Haywood, 3. Paul Hill, 4. David Ribbans, 5. Alex Moon, 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 7. Courtney Lawes, 8. Lewis Ludlam (Capt). Replacements: 16. Robbie Smith, 17. Ethan Waller,  18. Alfie Petch, 19. Alex Coles, 20. Angus Scott-Young, 21. Callum Braley, 22. Fraser Dingwall, 23. Courtnall Skosan.

REFEREE: Tual Trainini (France)