Russell on song on opening night

Racing 92 fly-half Finn Russell was at his scintillating best in the opening game of this season’s Heineken Champions Cup, creating a hatful of tries as the TOP 14 side breezed to a 45-14 win at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

Russell was among a number of standout performers for a Racing side which oozed quality, with flanker Wenceslas Lauret scoring a hat-trick of tries, winger Juan Imhoff notching a brace and scrum-half Maxime Machenaud kicking 20 points.

Munster emerge victorious from chaotic encounter

Though the opening exchanges of Wasps’ Round 1 clash with Munster Rugby provided few points, there was no shortage of drama as both sides showcased their attacking capabilities in an enthralling end-to-end start.

Despite a red card for Wasps captain Brad Shields on 24 minutes, the hosts notched the game's first try moments later through Alfie Barbeary, but the momentum ultimately swung in Munster’s favour, with the Irish province running four tries.

Wasps unwavering appetite for attacking rugby made for a gripping contest, and they would be rewarded for their perseverance when Michael Le Bourgeois crossed, though a miracle comeback would fail to materialise.

Cooney-inspired Ulster triumph at Clermont

Ulster scrum-half John Cooney was unflappable from the tee in the raucous surrounding of Stade Marcel-Michelin against ASM Clermont Auvergne – he racked up 19 points as the United Rugby Championship outfit battled to an impressive 29-23 win.

The Ulster centre partnership of James Hume and Stuart McCloskey also put in immense displays in the Round 1 match-up, while Clermont winger Damian Penaud scored two fabulous tries for Clermont – the latter of which earned him Champions Try of the Round.

Quins survive Cardiff scare

Harlequins came into their Round 2 game against Cardiff Rugby as strong favourites given the lack of experience among their visitors’ ranks, but the reigning Gallagher Premiership champions were made to work hard for their win at Twickenham Stoop.

A gutsy Cardiff performance saw them dot down three times in the first half, with Cam Winnett scoring on his debut, before James Botham sneaked over and teenage winger Theo Cabango finished superbly from range.

Quins’ quality shone through, however, with the likes of Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt showcasing their frightening talent as the hosts crossed six times of the course of the game.

We’ve been treated to some memorable moments across the opening two rounds of this season’s Heineken Champions Cup, and we’ve got four Christmas crackers lined up for you to re-live on the eve of Christmas Eve!