James Lowe scored a try brace for Leinster, who visit Connacht Rugby in the first leg on Friday, with Garry Ringrose and Jimmy O’Brien also crossing and Ross Byrne kicking 14 points

Munster, who are away at Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, led 12-11 at halftime thanks to four Joey Carbery penalties but were outclassed in the second half - Damian de Allende’s try proved a consolation.

Meanwhile, Connacht claimed a 21-17 win at Benetton Rugby courtesy of scores from Cian Prendergast, Niall Murray and Tietie Tuimauga

Ulster Rugby, who make the trip to Stade Toulousain on Saturday, went down 34-16 at Bulls, with Nathan Doak tallying 11 points from the tee and Luke Marshall dotting down for their only try.

In the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday, Exeter thrashed Bath Rugby 42-22 thanks to tries from Jacques Vermeulen, Dave Ewers, Patrick Schickerling, Billy Keast, Stuart Hogg and Santiago Grondona.

Bristol Bears, who travel to Sale Sharks on Saturday, were beaten 39-22 at Northampton Saints despite tries from Semi Radradra, Callum Sheedy, Yann Thomas and Alapati Leiua.

In the TOP 14, Stade Rochelais edged out Union Bordeaux-Bègles 16-15 at Stade Chaban-Delmas in what was a trial run of the two sides’ Round of 16 clash next weekend.

Jonathan Danty and Raymond Rhule went over for La Rochelle but five penalties from Maxime Lucu looked to have won it for Bordeaux, only for Ihaia West’s last-gasp kick to snatch the win for the travelling side.

Montpellier Hérault Rugby, who host Harlequins on Sunday, were drawing 13-13 in the latter stages of their game at USAP - Nicolaas Janse Van Rensburg crossing for the visitors – before a penalty try and a Paolo Garbisi three-pointer saw them claim a 23-13 win.

ASM Clermont Auvergne, who welcome Leicester Tigers on Sunday, cruised to a 41-10 home win over CA Brive – Alivereti Raka, Fritz Lee, George Moala (2) and Damian Penaud grabbed tries, while 14 points came from the boot of Morgan Parra.

Last season’s Heineken Champions Cup winners Stade Toulousain suffered a setback as tries from Richie Arnold and Juan Cruz Mallía couldn’t prevent them from losing 19-13 at Castres Olympique.

Leinster Rugby recorded an impressive 34-19 victory at rivals Munster Rugby in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday, in the final round of domestic games before next weekend’s Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16.