It was another mixed weekend for the Irish sides in Investec Champions Cup action.
Leinster made it four from four as they saw off Leicester, while Connacht secured Challenge Cup rugby with a bonus-point victory over Bristol.
Munster, meanwhile, let a late lead slip against Northampton and Ulster capitulated at Harlequins.
Here's our team of the week.
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster)
Solid outing from the full-back on a day when there was always going to be a lot of kicking. Recovered from an early knock much to the relief of Ireland fans ahead of the Six Nations. Tiernan O'Halloran made an excellent return from injury with Connacht.
14. Andrew Smith (Connacht)
The former sevens player was electric on a cold Friday night at the Dexcom Stadium. Scored one and was scandalously denied a sure try-of-the-season. Made 84 yards and turned the ball over to set up Connacht's second try. Named player of the match.
13. David Hawkshaw (Connacht)
A man of the match contender, the outside centre saved two certain tries, firstly with a double-tackle with Bristol on the line and then combining with Cian Prendergast to force a knock on. Twice involved in the build-up to the opening try.
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht)
Ever-willing, ever-ready, Aki shows no signs of slowing down. Always seems to take the correct option and generally draws in two or three defenders. Robbie Henshaw excellent for Leinster as well.
11. James Lowe (Leinster)
Second game back and it’s like he was never away. Leinster used his boot to great effect and the Kiwi made 70 metres with ball in hand. Constantly tied up multiple defenders and his break led to Larmour’s try. Named man of the match. Calvin Nash good for Munster.
10. Harry Byrne (Leinster)
Grew into the game, controlled and distributed well throughout. Contributed five points and was involved before Jordan Larmour’s try. Some concern for Ireland after he limped off in the final quarter.
9. Caolin Blade (Connacht)
Returned from a head injury that saw him miss out against Lyon and quickly demonstrated his value to the team. Took his try brilliantly after spotting a gap and was involved in two of the other three scores.
1. Andrew Porter (Leinster)
The loosehead won a couple of scrum penalties against Leinster and buzzed around in open play as we’ve come to expect. Almost scored a try but got held up. Played 70 minutes.
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster)
Good lineout return for the Ireland hooker, who is vital to the Leinster cause. Got another trademark try off a lineout maul. Tadgh McElroy excellent in Connacht’s victory too.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster)
Best outing in ages for the Leinster tighthead. Made hard yards on a number of carries and Tigers needed more than one defender to halt his progress. Finlay Bealham and Jack Aungier impressed for Connacht against the Bears.
4. Joe McCarthy (Leinster)
At times there seems to be two Joe McCarthy’s on the field. For a big man he can move and relishes the rough stuff too. Grabbed Leinster’s first try to get them back in the contest. James Ryan put in a huge shift as well.
5. Niall Murray (Connacht)
Excellent showing in the lineout where he was a constant menace on the Bristol throw. He was the URC’s top lineout stealer last season and came good when Connacht needed a big win.
6. Ryan Baird (Leinster)
The athletic blindside almost got on the scoresheet in the first half and his mazy runs are becoming a feature. Great lineout option and stole a late Tigers throw to take the momentum back.
7. John Hodnett (Munster)
Perhaps unlucky not to get an Ireland call-up, Hodnett was superb on both sides of the ball in difficult conditions as Munster blew another lead in Europe. Josh van der Flier was excellent for Leinster.
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster)
Another all-action performance; the number 8 continues to raise the bar for himself. Came up with a huge steal as Tigers threatened a comeback and then embellished his outing with the bonus-point try. Jarrad Butler was superb for Connacht.
