Northampton hold off Castres in 49-41 epic to reach Champions Cup quarter-finals

• Hosts make French side pay for yellow cards

• Saints progress to tie against Bath or Saracens

Butter-fingered hosts Northampton held off ill-disciplined visitors Castres to win 49-41 on Friday night to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup.

The French side collected two yellow cards in three minutes in the first half and another with 10 minutes left but they were also undone by their poor tackling and covering in defence and by three missed conversions from six tries. When Northampton did not drop the ball, or pass to their opponents, they threatened a try with every attack. They scored seven times, one a penalty try, and their French fly-half Anthony Belleau kicked the other six conversions.