Match Preview: Northampton need response at Munster

Match Preview: Northampton need response at Munster

Northampton Saints are in desperate need of a victory at Munster Rugby in Round 3 of the Heineken Champions Cup in order to boost their qualification hopes.

A committed defensive display from Munster earned the Irish province a 17-6 victory at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in Round 2 and handed Northampton a second successive defeat in Pool B.

The Gallagher Premiership side showed signs of improvement following their 46-12 opening-round thrashing at Stade Rochelais but remain without a point at the bottom of the pool.

Munster, who lie sixth on five points, will be hoping to make some ground on the leaders as they aim to follow up that win at Saints, having been beaten 18-13 at home by Stade Toulousain in Round 1.

Since their Round 2 meeting, Munster have won two from three in the United Rugby Championship, while Northampton have claimed victory in one of their two Premiership encounters.


The game kicks off at 15:15 (UK & Irish time) and coverage is provided by RTE, BT Sport, beIN SPORTS, SuperSport and FloRugby.

Key quote:


Northampton Saints lock Alex Coles: “It’s not a daunting test; I would say it’s really exciting. It’s one of the best places to go and play rugby in Europe, from what I’ve been told.”

     
     

Munster Rugby

  • Gavin Coombes made the most tackles in Round 2 (25), missing just two.
  • Munster have won the joint-fewest turnovers in the tournament (9).
  • All three of Munster’s tries have been scored in the first half.

Northampton Saints

  • Alex Mitchell has made more breaks from rucks than any other player (12).
  • Northampton have made the most carries in the competition (25).
  • Saints have completed a tournament-high 92% of their tackles.
     
     

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