Russell at the triple

Rob Russell staked a claim for a Heineken Champions Cup debut this season as the 23-year-old wing scored a hat-trick of tries in Dublin.

Russell, who made his debut for the Irish province last season, went over twice in the first half before completing his triple after the break.

Dave Kearney’s effort kicked off the drubbing, with Michael Milne and John McKee also going over for the hosts.

Munster edge derby

There was a boost for Munster Rugby ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup as they secured just their third URC win of the season with a 24-17 success over interprovincial rivals Connacht Rugby.

Munster were level at half-time in Limerick thanks to tries from Calvin Nash and Roman Salanoa, but pulled ahead through scores from John Ryan and Niall Scannell as they clinched a bonus-point victory.

Vodacom Bulls outclass Ospreys

Elsewhere in the URC, Vodacom Bulls showcased the attacking rugby they will bring to the Heineken Champions Cup as they ran in seven tries in a 43-26 thrashing of Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld.

David Kriel (2), Nizaam Carr, WJ Steenkamp, Elrigh Louw, Ruan Nortje and Zak Burger crossed for the impressive South African side.

Fellow Heineken Champions Cup contenders Ospreys notched four tries – through Jack Walsh, Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, Keiran Williams and Rhys Henry – to take a losing bonus point.

15-point du Preez

In the Gallagher Premiership, fly-half Rob du Preez tallied 15 points as Sale Sharks battled to a 25-20 win over Bristol Bears at AJ Bell Stadium.

The South African notched Sale’s first try early on and added two conversions and two penalties, while his hanging kick set up Tom Roebuck for a quality first-half try.

Jean-Luc du Preez powered over with 12 minutes to play to seal Sale’s seventh league win of this season and cement second place in the table.

Tisseron double for Montpellier

Montpellier Hérault Rugby moved up to third in the TOP 14 as Julien Tisseron’s try double helped them to a 35-14 home win over Aviron Bayonnais.

Louis Carbonel racked up 13 points from the tee while Léo Coly and Ben Lam also crossed for the Heineken Champions Cup side.

We’ve taken a look at the best of Saturday’s domestic action involving Heineken Champions Cup clubs, with Leinster Rugby’s 40-5 thrashing of Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship (URC) catching the eye.