Intro:

Clermont Auvergne became the first French team to beat Munster at Thomand Park with a 16-9 victory in Pool One of the European Champions Cup on Saturday (6th December).

Script:

Clermont Auvergne became only the third side to beat Munster at Thomand Park in European competition.

Munster's only previous European home defeats came against Leicester Tigers (2007) and Ulster (2012).

The French side got off to the perfect start when number eight Fritz Lee rumbled over with less than a minute gone.

All of Munster's points came from the boot of outhalf Ian Keatley, who slotted over three penalties to keep Anthony Foley's side in contention.

Clermont got their second try midway through the first half when French international Wesley Fofana finished off in the corner.

Camille Lopez's 34th minute drop goal made it 16-6 to Clermont.

Keatley's third penalty got Munster within a converted try.

Munster's last attempt at getting over the line ended with Damien Chouly stealing the lineout ahead of Paul O'Connell.

Clermont won 16-9 and they will entertain Munster at the Stade Marcel Michelin next weekend.