Match Centre: Champions Cup: Munster 17-12 Saracens

Conor Murray was part of the winning Munster side
Conor Murray was part of the winning Munster side
©PA

Munster 17-12 Saracens, Thomond Park

Munster Rugby staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Saracens 17-12 in the Investec Champions Cup at Thomond Park.

In a match filled with tension, the Irish side capitalized on late momentum to register a key victory, handing Saracens their first loss of the tournament. Despite the defeat, Saracens earned a losing bonus point, keeping their knockout qualification hopes alive.

Saracens began the game on the front foot, with Alex Lozowski slotting an early penalty after just 90 seconds to give the visitors a 3-0 lead. They dominated territory and forced Munster into errors, with Lozowski doubling their advantage shortly after as Munster were penalized for not releasing.

Munster managed to halve the deficit when Jack Crowley slotted a penalty following a rare foray into the Saracens' 22. Both sides then missed opportunities in a chaotic spell, but Saracens’ defensive grit kept them ahead 6-3 at halftime.

Saracens extended their lead early in the second half when Elliot Daly nailed a long-range penalty from 45 meters, putting the visitors 9-3 up. However, Munster began to find their rhythm and eventually broke through.

In the 60th minute, Gavin Coombes’ strong carry set up Dian Blueler, who powered over from close range for the game’s first try. Crowley’s conversion handed Munster a 10-9 lead.

Five minutes later, Munster struck again. A precise cross-field kick was gathered brilliantly, allowing John Hodnett to finish from 30 meters out. Crowley’s conversion extended their advantage to 17-9, igniting the Thomond Park crowd.

Lozowski added a late penalty to cut the gap to five points, setting up a thrilling finale. Saracens nearly stole the win with a brilliant counterattack in the final minutes, but a misdirected pass from Liam Williams to Juan Martin Gonzalez dashed their hopes.

Munster’s resilient defense held firm, securing a hard-fought 17-12 victory.

The result leaves Saracens in a strong position to progress, with a final pool-stage clash against Castres Olympique next week. Munster, buoyed by their dramatic win, will look to carry this momentum into their remaining fixtures.

Team line up:

Munster: M Haley; C Nash, T Farrell, R Scannell, S Daly; J Crowley, C Murray; D Bleuler, N Scannell, O Jager; F Wycherley, T Beirne (capt); J O'Donoghue, A Kendellen, G Coombes.

Reserves: D Barron, J Ryan, S Archer, T Ahern, J Hodnett, P Patterson, B Burns, B Gleeson.

Saracens: E Daly; L Williams, A Lozowski, N Tompkins, L Cinti; F Burke, I van Zyl; P Brantingham, J George, M Riccioni; M Itoje (capt), H Wilson; JM Gonzalez, B Earl, T Willis.

Reserves: T Dan, E Mawi, A Clarey, M Eke, N Michelow, G Simpson, O Hartley, T Elliott.

 
 
 
 

European Rugby Champions Cup Points Table