O'Gara, who hadn't missed a kick all day landed the score in the 74th minute to bring Munster within six points of the lead to ensure they remain in contention in this ultra competitive group.

Munster dominated an opening half and led 16-12 at the break thanks to a Marcus Horan try and eleven points from the trusty O'Gara boot, two of those kicks, a penalty and conversion, from close to the right touchline.

However, Clermont emerged a much different side in the second half and scored 13 unanswered points as Munster were pinned in their own 22 for long periods.

They managed to lift the siege and when they were awarded a penalty just inside their own half the French were marched back a further 10 metres for kicking the ball away and O'Gara held his nerve to thump over a 42 metre penalty.