Munster run out of steam and wither in Gardens

MUNSTER were dumped out of the Champions Cup after two tries by Northampton’s George Hendy broke their resistance at Franklin’s Gardens.

Hendy, Saints’ 21-year-old replacement wing, crossed twice in the final quarter of a gripping round-of-16 encounter fought out by the English Premiership’s leaders and current holders of the United Rugby Championship crown.

Northampton edged their humdinger of a pool clash in January and this rematch of the 2000 final was every bit as dramatic despite the swirling winds that made kicking and patrolling the backfield tricky.

Replacement back Hendy finished a superb try made possible by Fin Smith’s decision making and added his second in the 73rd minute.

Northampton soaked up phase after phase of Munster’s early onslaught before hitting back with their first attack through James Ramm.

The visitors went straight back on the offensive to draw level through wing Seán O’Brien. Munster were clearly on top, however, with their growing dominance founded on their ability to retain possession and intent to keep the ball moving, tactics that were creating holes in the home defence.

Mike Haley was the next over after scrum-half Tom James had ducked under tackles to keep the move alives.

Northampton revived themselves when Tommy Freeman raced over in the 36th minute once Saints had sucked in defenders following a scrum to create space in midfield.

The high-octane play continued into the second half but Munster were no longer able to hold on to the ball for such long stretches, while handling errors increasingly affected the endeavour shown.

Instead, Northampton were controlling territory and possession, and having seen a number of moves foiled by self-inflicted errors, their attack clicked into gear beautifully in the 61st minute for Hendy to cross.

Smith failed with a conversion and then a penalty attempt but Hendy ended any doubt when he broke two tackles to touch down in the left corner. NORTHAMPTON SAINTS: J Ramm; T Freeman, F Dingwall, B Odendaal (G Hendy 58), O Sleightholme; F Smith, T James (A Mitchell 53); E Iyogun (A Waller 62), C Langdon (S Matavesi 57), T Davison (P Hill 62); A Moon (T Mayanavanua 65), A Coles; C Lawes, L Ludlum (capt) (J Augustus 52), S Graham (A ScottYoung 71). SCORERS - Tries: Ramm, Freeman, Hendy (2). Cons: Smith (2). MUNSTER: M Haley; S O’Brien (S McCarthy 63), A Frisch, A Nankivell (J Carbery 66), S Zebo; J Crowley, C Casey (C Murray 56); J Loughman (J Wycherley 70), N Scannell (E Clarke 70), S Archer; T Ahern, T Beirne (capt); P O’Mahony (A Kendellen 56), J Hodnett, G Coombes (J O’Donoghue 66). SCORERS - Tries: O’ Brien, Haley. Cons: Crowley (2). Referee: M Adamson (Scotland).