MUNSTER’S interest in the Champions Cup was halted with an unexpected 29-31 weekend loss to Castres at Thomond Park.
It was a first win for the visitors at the venue in nine attempts.
Although Craig Casey crossed for a couple of opening-half tries, Munster still trailed 17-10 at the break.
Thaakir Abrahams and Edwin Edogbo both crossed the line in the second half, and the win looked likely against their French Top 14 opponents.
Castres, however, had other ideas and by the 70th minute ran in for a bonus try, to help them on their way to a famous night in Limerick.
Edogbo did manage his second try, but too late!
Consolation for Munster will come with participation in the Challenge Cup.
Scorers:
Munster – Tries: Craig Casey (2), Edwin Edogbo (2) Thaakir Abrahams. Conversions: Jack Crowley (2)
Castres – Tries: Vuate Karawalevu, Theo Chabouni, Geoffrey Palis, Christian Ambadiang. Conversions: Jeremy Fernandez (2), Santiago Arata (2). Penalties: Jeremy Fernandez (1)
Munster: Shane Daly; Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Ben O’Connor (Hanrahan 57’); Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman (Milne 57’), Niall Scannell (Barron 50’), Michael Ala’alatoa (Jager 57’); Jean Kleyn (Edogbo 50’), Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne, captain, Jack O’Donoghue (Gleeson 50’), Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Oli Jager, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan, Dan Kelly.