As if the last-gasp win over Clermont wasn't enough, Munster's Heineken Cup ambitions received a further shot in the arm after news filtered through to Limerick of Sale's defeat in Montauban. The English club missed the chance to go top of Pool One after succumbing to a 16-12 defeat.

Sale had crushed Montauban, who are already out of contention for a quarter-final berth, 36-6 last week but it was a different story at the Stade de Sapiac.

Charlie Hodgson kicked the visitors ahead with an early penalty but Cedric Rosalen responded in kind three minutes later before Vilimoni Delasau crossed for the only try of the game.

Hodgson kept his side in contention with four successful penalties in all but try as they might the Sharks were unable to breach the stubborn home defence.

The results leaves Munster on top of the pool with 13 points, two ahead of Sale while Clermont have eight and Montauban six.