Heineken Cup: Racing Metro edged out Munster 19-17 in a thriller

Simon Zebo: Looked to have given Munster the win with late try

Olly Barkley was in excellent form with the boot for new club Racing Metro

Olly Barkley struck a late penalty to see Racing Metro edge Munster 22-17 in a thrilling Heineken Cup Pool One opener in Paris.

The new Racing fly-half held his nerve three minutes from time to overhaul the Irish giants, who seemed sure to record a dramatic victory through Simon Zebo's solo try.

Munster started perfectly through a Ronan O'Gara penalty and when flanker Sean Dougall collected Peter O'Mahony's offload for a debut try, a routine win seemed in the offing.

But Barkley replied with a penalty and after Paul O'Connell had spilled possession over the Racing try-line, Machenaud punished his folly by hacking through and touching down to level at 10-10.

O'Gara was unable to continue after 34th minute due to injury, and Barkley ensured an unlikely half-time lead for the hosts when he booted over another three-pointer.

In damp conditions the French side edged a tactical kicking battle throughout the second half, and Barkley rained over the penalty of the match from out wide in the 51st minute to stretch the Racing advantage to six.

After the ex-England star and Ian Keatley had missed penalties at either end, Zebo scythed through the Racing defence for a brilliant score that allowed Keatley to secure a one-point lead with eight minutes left.

But Conor Murray's poor decision allowed Barkley to boot over his fourth penalty - and further ill-discipline at the death saw Mirco Bergamasco rubber-stamp a memorable win for the hosts.