Munster were again drawn in Pool One for the 2012–13 Heineken Cup, with Saracens, Edinburgh and Racing 92. The campaign opened with a 22–17 away defeat at the hands of Racing 92. Munster won their second game, at home to Edinburgh, 33–0. The December back-to-back games began with a home fixture against Saracens, which Munster won 15–9. In the reverse fixture, Munster lost 19–13. In the fifth round of pool fixtures, Munster beat Edinburgh 17–26. Munster had to win their final pool game, against Racing 92, with a try bonus-point to have a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals. Munster won the game 29–6, scoring five tries, including a hat-trick from Simon Zebo. Leicester Tigers 9–5 victory over Toulouse ensured that Munster qualified as the second-best runner up, and they played Harlequins in the quarter-finals. Munster won the quarter-final 12–18, advancing to the semi-final, which they lost 16–10 to ASM Clermont Auvergne on 27 April 2013. Munster finished sixth in the 2012–13 Pro12.