Former Heineken Cup Champions Northampton Saints signalled their intent for more European honours with a 23 v 12 victory over Castres to finish the Pool stage with six victories from six.

Joe Ansbro, Phil Dowson and Ben Foden all scored tries to cap a powerful performance at Stade Pierre Antoine.

Ansbro opened the scoring in the 11th minute after England full-back Foden sent him clear, Stephen Myler’s conversion attempt drifted wide.

The hosts came close to hitting back but captain Chris Masoe’s effort was ruled out by the television match official.

Myler extended Northampton’s lead with a drop goal before Dowson crossed for their second try.

The Saints broke from deep inside their own half. First Ryan Powell and Roger Wilson combined before Wilson released a brilliant offload to Ansbro on the inside. The wing tore into the heart of Castres’ defence and the ball was recycled wide and Dowson was released to score. This time Myler made no mistake and added the extras to give Northampton a 15-0 lead.

Castres hit straight back on this occasion fly-half Pierre Bernard dummying his way to the line and then converting his touchdown.

Northampton’s defence held firm in the second period, keeping out the powerful Castres surges and turned defence into attack, Foden scoring a fine try.

Myler added a penalty on 70 minutes to extend the Saints’ lead to 23-7 before the home side grabbed a late consolation with five minutes to go. Jannie Bornman broke off the back of a scrum and linked with Sebastien Tillous-Borde who squeezed over/