Leinster Rugby claimed a 26-21 win at Connacht Rugby on Friday night thanks to tries from James Lowe (2) and Hugo Keenan, with John Porch and Salesi Fifita crossing for the hosts, who will look to make up the deficit at the Aviva Stadium this coming Friday.

On Saturday, Stade Rochelais also recorded an away win as they triumphed 31-13 at Union Bordeaux-Bègles. Raymond Rhule and Jonathan Danty dotted down for the visitors in addition to a penalty try, with Ihaia West kicking 14 points.

Cameron Woki and Federico Mori grabbed tries for Bordeaux, who now face a stiff task at Stade Marcel Deflandre this Saturday to progress to the last eight.

A late try from Semi Radradra saw Bristol Bears beat Sale Sharks 10-9 at the AJ Bell Stadium, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at Ashton Gate this Friday.

Ulster Rugby chalked up a memorable 26-20 win at reigning champions Stade Toulousain, Rob Baloucoune netting a hat-trick of tries for the Irish province, whose other try came from Andy Warwick.

Despite Juan Cruz Mallía’s early red card, Toulouse kept themselves in contention thanks to scores from Emmanuel Meafou and Romain Ntamack for the return at Kingspan Stadium this Saturday.

Exeter Chiefs ground out a 13-8 home victory over Munster Rugby thanks to tries from Stuart Hogg and Jacques Vermeulen, but it will be no easy task holding on to their advantage at Thomond Park this Saturday.

Gaël Fickou notched the only try of the game in Racing 92’s 22-9 victory at Parisian rivals Stade Français Paris, Nolann Le Garrec kicking the other 17 points for the visitors, who welcome Stade Français to Paris La Defense Arena this Sunday.

On Sunday, Zach Mercer starred with a try brace for Montpellier Hérault Rugby against Harlequins at the GGL Stadium, where Gabriel N’gandebe, Cobus Reinach and Titi Lamositele also dotted down for the TOP14 side in a 40-26 triumph.

A second-half rally from Quins saw George Hammond, Andre Esterhuizen, Joe Marchant and Louis Lynagh cross to set up a mouthwatering return at Twickenham Stoop this Saturday.

There was also a win in France for Leicester Tigers, who beat ASM Clermont Auvergne 29-10 thanks to tries from Ellis Genge, Julian Montoya, Jack van Poortvliet and Hosea Saumaki, and despite Guy Porter’s red card.

Clermont, who took the lead through a Cheik Tiberghien score, now face a daunting assignment heading to Mattioli Woods Welford Road this Saturday.

This weekend’s Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 first-leg ties produced some stunning rugby as the knockout stage of this season’s competition kicked off in scintillating fashion.