Munster have beaten Pontypridd of Wales 32-10 at Thomond Park, Limerick in their opening Pool D encounter. It was the newly-crowned inter-pro champions' young fly-half Ronan O'Gara and strong pack spearheaded by back row Anthony Foley who were the keys to the victory. O'Gara kicked five penalties and a drop-goal, while flanker Alan Quinlan scored Munster's opening try at a crucial stage of the first half. Centre Killian Keane finished things off with a try five minutes from time.
Holders Ulster got off to a poor start in defence of the trophy at Stade Pierre Rajon, France this evening when Bourgoin beat them comprehensively 26-12 in their Pool C clash.
Last night another great and important victory for Irish and Leinster rugby was achieved in Donnybrook night when the provincial side defeated their English opponents, Leicester, in their opening Heineken European Cup Pool A encounter. They beat the Tigers by 27 points to 20 – out-half Mark McHugh scoring all Leinster's points including seven penalties and two drop-goals.
This was a performance and result that defied the form book as highly fancied Leicester came a cropper, Mike Ruddock’s team showing great heart and determination. Leinster lulled everyone into the belief that all they were capable of was turning up to fulfil the fixture and what a shock was in store.
Leicester led at half-time by 17 points to 12, the opening half turning out to be a kicking duel between McHugh and Leicester full-back Tim Stimpson after Pat Howard scored the game's only try after 6 minutes. The game was transformed early in the second half as McHugh found the range with three penalty attempts and there really was no way back for Leicester despite a Tim Stimpson penalty in the 73rd minute.
Man of the Match Mark McHugh, capped a superb individual display with a late drop goal and penalty to secure the points.
Elsewhere, Connacht's start in Pool 4 of the European Shield wasn't so successful. They were beaten 32-9 by Ebbw Vale in Wales, despite leading 9-6 at the interval through three Eric Elwood penalties.
In Pool E of the Cup, Cardiff and Harlequinn finished with 32 points a-piece while in Pool F, Edinburgh Rievers beat Grenoble 23-18.
