Northampton's hopes of European success lay in tatters after they were comprehensively beaten by Montferrand in the Heineken Cup.

The visitors were immediately on the back foot from the kick-off as Montferrand scored three first-half tries.

Although full-back Joe Shaw pulled a try back for the Saints, with Ali Hepher adding a conversion and penalty, the French side were always in the ascendancy.

And the home side finally put the match beyond doubt in the first 10 minutes of the second half with tries from Olivier Magne, David Bory and Aurelien Rougerie.

Stewart consolation

Rougerie, who has been called into the France squad to face South Africa next week, scored his second of the match after good work from Xavier Sadourney and Tony Marsh.

Elvis Vermeulen and Jimmy Marlu were the pick of the Montferrand players, with Marlu adding a try on the hour.

Although Matt Stewart scored a consolation try for the Saints, Montferrand had secured a comfortable victory.

Montferrand can secure a home quarter-final tie if they can beat Cardiff in the new year.