Northampton Saints vs Munster Preview
Munster is looking to secure a home draw in the round of 16 when they clash with Northampton Saints on January 18th at 3:15 pm. Northampton has already confirmed their spot in the round of 16. They picked up a crucial bonus point last week against Stade Francais and sit at the top of Pool 3.
There is uncertainty surrounding Munster with their head coach role still vacant since Graham Rowntree’s exit. Can the Red Army shut out all the noise to get the job done on Saturday, or will Northampton wrap up their group stage campaign by topping the pool?
Northampton Saints vs Munster Head-To-Head and Key Stats
These sides last met in April 2024 in the European Rugby Champions Cup round of 16. An entertaining game saw a try apiece in the opening 15 minutes. Munster took the lead through a Mike Haley try after 27 minutes before Tommy Freeman levelled for the hosts. They entered the break tied at 14-14. Northampton bulled ahead in the second half. George Hendy scored a brace and Munster had no answer, ending the game 24-14 and sending the Irish side out of the competition.
Munster had struggled to find form this season, forcing the hierarchy to part ways with head coach Graham Rowntree in October. Chairman Gerry O’Shea cut ties with the head coach following four losses in their opening six games of the season. However, The Red Army’s fortunes have turned around somewhat since Rowntree’s departure.
Munster have won four of their last six fixtures. Two of those victories have come in the European Champions Cup. That has helped the two-time champions to second place in Pool 3 with 10 points. Their most recent fixture came against Saracens. An excellent turnaround from Munster earned them an enormous victory at Thomond Park.
A somewhat scrappy first half saw both teams struggle to get going. They traded forward passes and knock-ons with scoring opportunities scarce. It was the Sarries who entered the break with the lead, up 3-6 away from home. Another two penalties early in the second half seemed to further the scrappiness, but Munster bounced back impressively.
Dian Bleuler and John Hodnett scored two quick-fire tries to storm ahead as Munster completed the turnaround and put themselves in a prime position for qualification to the knockout stage. Jack Crowley was spot on with his kicking, scoring a penalty and burying two conversions. The 17-12 victory means they could secure their spot in the knockouts with a win against Northampton.
Northampton have struggled for consistency in the Premiership so far, winning five and losing five of their 10 games so far. However, their performances in Europe have picked them up. They currently top Pool 3 with 11 points, one point ahead of their opponents on Saturday. Northampton are in similar form to Munster, having won four of their previous six games.
The Saints began their European campaign with back-to-back victories, defeating Castres and Bulls to move to the top of the Pool. Sam Vesty’s team last played on January 11th, meeting Stade Francais at Stade Jean-Bouin. A 12-try thriller in Paris entertained fans as Northampton confirmed their place in the last 16 despite the loss.
The Saints stormed ahead in the first half. Henry Pollock scored an electric duo of tries inside three minutes as Northampton took a 21-0 lead. Stade Francais replied brilliantly, scoring three times to reduce the deficit to just two points. They entered the break 21-19, and both teams looked good value to take something from the game.
Henry Walker scored Northampton’s fourth try early in the second half, bagging them the bonus point that helped them to the knockout stage. However, a penalty try saw Alex Mitchell sin-binned for 10 minutes and flipped the game’s momentum. Stade scored three further tries to storm ahead as the game finished 45-35.
Northampton Saints vs Munster Predictions
Correct score prediction: Northampton 24-21 Munster
Munster has finally found some form as we reach the halfway point of the season. Despite still being without a head coach, the Red Army have managed to carve out a successful European campaign. They can confirm their spot in the knockout stages with a win, but Northampton will be their toughest test of the group stage.
The Red Army has been impressive in European action so far. Their Premiership performances have left something to be desired, but they have already confirmed their qualification for the knockout stages here. Provided they have not taken their foot off the accelerator, this looks to be a game they should win. Our rugby prediction is for Northampton to finish their group-stage campaign with a victory at home.
The Saints slipped up against Stade Francais, who have been arguably the poorest-performing team in the tournament. However, Alex Mitchell’s sin bin was a huge factor in that. Northampton were in the drivers before the scrum-half was forced to sit out after the penalty try. Munster is a far stronger outfit than the Parisians, but Northampton should be well-prepared.
Northampton boasts the best attack in their pool. They have notched 103 points in the competition so far. That is 30 more than Castres Olympique, who have scored the second most, and 39 more than Munster. Only three of the 24 teams in the competition have scored more tries than the Saints. They can suffocate Munster with their formidable attack.
Munster are still in a strong position to qualify. There will be hopes of complacency from the Northampton team, having already qualified for the knockout stages. The Red Army has a very reliable defence that can nullify the Saints going forward. They have allowed just 35 points in the competition so far. Leinster is the only team with a better record. If they can keep the likes of Fin Smith quiet, they can take something from this game.
Northampton Saints vs Munster Betting Tips
Match Result
Northampton Saints are huge favourites for this game with our online bookmaker. The Pool 3 leaders are worth 2/7 to defeat Munster at home and end their group stage campaign with a victory. However, that does not present great value with a €10 stake returning just €2.80. While we expect Northampton to win this game, we think there are better bets to be made.
Munster are worth 13/5 for anyone betting on Rugby Union. They have improved recently and look in excellent form to qualify for the knockout stages. Northampton have already confirmed their place in the round of 16 and there is a chance they could have their foot on the brake to keep themselves fresh for a gruelling knockout stage. A €10 bet on Munster would return €26.
Handicap
The handicap is 7.5 points for anyone betting on the European Rugby Champions Cup. Northampton covered that in both of their victories in the group stage. Munster have covered that in all of their games so far. The Red Army has one of the best defences in the tournament and is more than good enough to avoid a battering even if they are to lose. Bet on Munster to cover the +7.5 handicap.
Halftime
Northampton are strong at home and will look to assert dominance over Munster from the first whistle. They can hit the ground running at Cinch Stadium and take the game into their own hands. We like a halftime handicap bet on Northampton. They have taken leads in most of their games in European competitions so far. Bet on a -3 first-half handicap for Northampton.
Munster Team News
Conor Murray, Jack O’Donoghue and Diarmuid Barron all made successful returns against Saracens last week. They will be available to play against Nottingham. Diarmuid Kilgallen made his return to training last week and could appear in this game. Peter O’Mahony has increased his training load this week and a decision on his status will be made nearer to the game.
Despite some big returns, there are still a lot of Munster players on the sidelines through injury. The likes of Dave Kilcoyne, Scott Buckley, Alex Nankivell, and Thaakir Abrahams are all still rehabbing and will not be back in time for this fixture.
Northampton Team News
Director of Rugby Phil Dowson revealed that George Hendy and Chunya Munga remain ‘a significant doubt’ ahead of this match. Hendy was forced off in the first half of the game against Bath on January 5th and missed last weekend’s clash with Stade Francais. Munga has not played in the last two after picking up an injury in training.
Alex Coles and Temo Mayanavanua are going through return-to-play protocols after suffering concussions against Bath. Fin Smith was unavailable last week through illness but should return against Munster. Ollie Sleightholme missed the last game after tightness in his hamstring and they will manage his condition heading into this fixture.