Classy Munster see off Perpignan

Doug Howlett
12 April 2012

Munster recorded one of the finest away victories in Heineken Cup history with a thrilling 37-14 bonus-point win at Perpignan.

The French champions had won 16 successive European ties at the Stade Aime Giral, having not been beaten in the south of France since London Wasps tasted success in 2004.

But the Irish province took full control of Pool One with an excellent display and Tony McGahan's men were rewarded with maximum points thanks to tries from Denis Fogarty, Denis Hurley, Jean de Villiers and Doug Howlett.

Stade Francais seized the initiative in Pool Four with a 29-16 victory over Ulster at Stade Jean Bouin.

The hosts thrived on home turf as Dimitri Szarzewski and Benjamin Kayser rounded off forward efforts with tries and France fly-half Lionel Beauxis was unerringly accurate with the boot - kicking 19 points, seven from seven attempts - to put Stade clear of Ulster and Edinburgh at the top of the standings.

Sale proved they are a team for all seasons after overcoming Harlequins 21-17 in driving snow to maintain their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

Quins led 14-8 at half-time at a freezing Edgeley Park after tries from Nick Evans and Aston Croall but a 55th-minute score from Sharks prop Eifion Roberts edged the Sharks back in front.

Evans claimed a penalty soon after to reduce the deficit to a solitary point but Sale held on to record their second win inside eight days against the Londoners and maintain the pressure on Pool Five leaders Toulouse.

Gloucester produced a devastating second-half to come from behind and beat Glasgow Warriors 19-6 in a Pool Two clash at Kingsholm.

Two Dan Parks penalties had handed Glasgow a 6-0 interval lead, but the Cherry and Whites responded with 19 unanswered second-half points. Nicky Robinson kicked three penalties, while Charlie Sharples and Alex Brown touched down.

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