Castres moved into the driving seat in pool 4 as they defeated Munster 19-12 at Stade Pierre-Antoine in what was a closely fought battle. Munster's points came from four O'Gara Penalties.

Castres got the only try of the game just before the break with winger David Bory going over in the left corner. The half time score was 13-3.

In the second half O'Gara scored three penalties without reply to slice the deficit to 13-12 after 56 minutes. He then had a chance to edge Munster in front but his effort from halfway fell short.

Castres saw off the Munster revival with two Marticorena penalties to close out the game.

The return game is at Thomond Park in Limerick on Saturday December 11th.

Castres (13) 19 Tries: Bory Cons: Marticorena Pens: Marticorena 4

Munster (3) 12 Pens: O'Gara 4

Munster: Cullen, Lawlor, Payne, Henderson, T. Hogan, O'Gara, Stringer, M. Horan, F. Sheahan, J. Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Williams, Wallace, Foley.

Replacements: Blaney, McIlwham, T. Hogan, Quinlan, Prendergast, Burke, Mullins.

Castres: Mola, Fleming, Marticorena, Denney, Bory, Sadourny, Albouy, Fitzpatrick, Vigneaux, Galasso, Nallet, Spanghero, Bias, Capo, Volley.

Replacements: Argenese, Reggiardo, Froment, Deen, Morales, Dourthe, Lhande.

Referee: N Whitehouse (Wales).