Munster are still very much in the hunt for a group runners-up berth

Saturday’s win does plant one foot in the last 16 and keeps Munster in the hunt for second place, with match captain Beirne telling his players they were already in knockout mode ahead of their pool showdown with Saints.

LEADING FIGURE: Munster's Tadhg Beirne celebrates after the game. Pic: Laszlo Geczo, Inpho

Tadhg Beirne insisted nothing had changed for Munster heading into their final Champions Cup pool game at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Pool 3 leaders and English Premiership frontrunners Northampton Saints will arrive in fine form in Limerick next weekend having secured at least second place, and with it a home Round of 16 draw having extended their winning run in Europe to three from three with a 61-14 hammering of Bayonne at Franklin’s Gardens last Friday night.