Ulster Rugby 18 ASM Clermont Auvergne 13

Ulster produced a superb all-round performance to see off Clermont in Belfast in Round 2, with scrum-half John Cooney scoring 13 points in a majestic display.

The 29-year-old opened and closed the scoring for the hosts as they dominated territory and possession throughout against the 2019 Challenge Cup winners.

His try came after he picked a hole down the blind side from an attacking scrum, chipped over the final defender and collected his own kick before scoring in emphatic fashion.

Clermont built some attacking pressure in the last 10 minutes, but they couldn’t force enough opportunities as Ulster successfully navigated the final nine minutes for a crucial Heineken Champions Cup success.

Northampton Saints 16 Leinster Rugby 43

Leinster laid down a Heineken Champions Cup marker in Round 3 by scoring seven tries in a resounding win over Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens.

Leinster started the strongest and took full advantage of some sloppy Northampton passing after three minutes, Jordan Larmour sprinting clear before releasing James Lowe for the easiest of tries, with Johnny Sexton converting.

The dominance continued with further tries from Rhys Ruddock, Andrew Porter, Cian Healy, Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath and Ed Byrne in what was a terrific display from the four-time winners.

Munster Rugby 10 Saracens 3

A first-half try from Munster captain Peter O’Mahony was enough for the Irish province to defeat Saracens at Thomond Park in Round 3.

JJ Hanrahan kicked Munster ahead, before the Ireland flanker grabbed the sole try on 30 minutes. A neat pass from Rory Scannell released Keith Earls, who got close to the line, before Conor Murray handed the ball to O’Mahony and he barged over for his first score in 11 months.

Saracens cut the gap just before the interval through Ben Spencer, who – after his initial penalty hit a post – got another opportunity when Munster couldn’t clear their lines and he took full advantage.

That was the end of the scoring, as the second half was an arm wrestle that didn’t feature a single point.

Connacht Rugby 27 Gloucester Rugby 24

Connacht pulled off a dramatic win over Gloucester, with Robin Copeland scoring a late try to snatch victory for the hosts in Galway in December.

Connacht grabbed the first score as Caolin Blade burrowed his way over for the first try after plenty of pressure on the Gloucester line.

Gloucester responded well to going behind, with the pick-and-go working well as they edged left and with the overlap, Gerbrandt Grobler walked in for the try.

A brace of tries from Gloucester’s Mark Atkinson and one from Lewis Ludlow put the visitors 24-13 ahead before a remarkable comeback. Shane Delahunt powered over on 77 minutes and then, from the kick-off, Connacht went the length of the field, with Bundee Aki making a huge carry before a few phases later, a lovely offload allowed Copeland to escape his man for the match-winner.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we have picked out some of our favourite matches from the four Irish provinces who have taken part in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup.