Seven-try Ulster topple Scarlets

John Cooney stole the show for Heineken Champions Cup Pool B hopefuls Ulster by notching 30 points in a 55-39 win away at Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship.

The scrum-half dotted down twice, kicked seven conversions and two penalties, for the 1998-99 European champions in a destructive offensive display for the Irish region.

Alan O’Connor, Marty Moore, Marcus Rea, Billy Burns and Tom O’Toole also crossed the whitewash for Ulster who travel to Sale Sharks in the opening round of EPCR action on the weekend of December 9-11.

Graham hat-trick not enough for Edinburgh

Pool A contenders Bulls and Edinburgh Rugby squared off at Loftus Versfeld, the hosts coming out on top 33-31 thanks to a late penalty by Morne Steyn.

Bulls, who welcome Lyon to Pretoria in the opening round of EPCR fixtures, scored a quartet of tries – Johan Grobbelaar, Elrigh Louw, Cornal Hendricks and Stravino Jacobs on target.

Edinburgh, who face Saracens to kick-off their Heineken Champions Cup campaign, failed to capitalise on a hat-trick from Darcy Graham. Charlie Savala and Damian Hoyland were also on the scoresheet for the Scottish side.

Sensational Steward lifts Leicester

Freddie Steward was the talisman for Leicester Tigers as he notched a trio of tries in a 41-21 Gallagher Premiership win over Northampton Saints at cinch stadium at Franklin's Gardens – the hosts conceding an unanswered 24 points in the final 11 minutes.

Steward notched three of Leicester's six tries on the afternoon, Chris Ashton, Guy Porter and George Martin on the scoresheet for the Pool B hopefuls who travel to Ospreys in round one.

Northampton, who have the daunting task of travelling to Heineken Champions Cup holders Stade Rochelais on opening weekend, replied with tries from Alex Mitchell, Tommy Freeman and Alex Coles.

Saracens produce late game heroics

Tom Woolstencroft crossed twice in the final five minutes as Saracens secured a late 41-39 victory over Gloucester Rugby at the StoneX Stadium.

Saracens scored five tries on the afternoon, Max Malins, Ben Earl and Josh Hallett the additions to Woolstencroft’s brace. Owen Farrell added 14 points from the tee.

Toulouse romp Racing 92

Stade Toulousain dispatched of Racing 92 in an inter-pool matchup in the TOP 14, the Pool B side coming out on top 37-10.

The five-time European champions, who travel to Ireland to take on Munster Rugby in round one, scored four tries in the contest; Emmanuel Meafou, Matthis Lebel, Ange Capuozzo and Sofiane Guitoune all contributing to victory.

We’ve taken a look at the best of Saturday’s domestic action involving Heineken Champions Cup clubs, with Ulster Rugby showcasing their credentials with a high scoring win at Scarlets.