A drop goal in the 83rd minute from Ronan O'Gara has earned Munster a dramatic 23-21 win over Northampton Saints in their Heineken Cup Pool 1 match.

The home side scored the first try of the evening when Damien Varley went over after good work from the forwards at the lineout. Ronan O'Gara kicked over the extras.

Chris Ashton replied for the visitors five minutes later when he touched down after Ben Foden had evaded three defenders. Ryan Lamb successfully made the conversion.

Lamb kicked over two penalties to put his side 13-7 ahead before O'Gara pulled a kick of his own back for Munster.

The home side led 17-13 at the break when Doug Howlett's try was converted by O'Gara.

Lamb's penalty five minutes after the restart closed the scores before James Downey was forced over the line to score to put the Saints back in front 21-20. However, Lamb couldn't extend the lead with his kick.

O'Gara missed the opportunity to give his side the lead 10 minutes from time when his penalty floated wide on a blustery night.

However, after they kept the ball alive for three added minutes, O'Gara kicked a drop goal to secure a dramatic win for Munster.