Leinster score seven tries to beat Clermont 48-23 in Champions Cup opener

Leinster beat Clermont 48-23 at Stade Marcel-Michelin on 17 October in their Champions Cup pool opener, scoring seven tries to earn a bonus point after trailing by one at half-time, BBC Sport reported. The result gave the Irish province a winning start to its campaign for a fifth European title.

BBC Sport reported that Clermont led 16-15 at the break, despite first-half tries from Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong and hooker Dan Sheehan. Joris Jurand crossed for the hosts, while fly-half Harry Plummer added three penalties and a conversion. His long-range penalty put Clermont ahead just before the interval.

How Leinster pulled away after half-time

Referee Matthew Carley then awarded Leinster a penalty try and sent Clermont prop Nohem Ez Zahouany to the sin-bin. Sheehan added his second try before replacement Mathys Belaubre replied for Clermont. Jack Conan and Tommy O’Brien scored in the final 15 minutes to complete Leinster’s seven-try total.

The European Professional Club Rugby fixtures page lists the game as a completed Pool 1 first-round match, with Clermont on 23 points and Leinster on 48. Leinster had lost the previous season’s Champions Cup final, their fifth final defeat in eight seasons, BBC Sport reported.

Cullen praises Leinster’s display; Conan leaves in sling

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen told Premier Sports that conditions were tricky, with a greasy ball in the first half, and described Clermont as a physical side. Prendergast told the broadcaster that Leinster’s forwards had been excellent in the scrum, line-out defence and maul, helping the team reach attacking positions.

BBC Sport reported that Conan left the stadium with his arm in a sling. The nature and severity of any injury were not established. The report said Ireland coach Andy Farrell was due to name his squad for the following month’s Nations Championship fixtures on Wednesday, amid other concerns in the back row.

Before kick-off, a moment’s silence was held for Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who had died the previous day aged 31. Cullen told Premier Sports that Leinster’s thoughts were with the Lions and Andrews’ family.