Two of the three South Africans debuting in the Heineken Champions Cup secured victories on the opening weekend as Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls scored a combined 11 tries.

Cell C Sharks crossed five times in Durban as they came out 39-31 winners in a thriller against Harlequins, while Vodacom Bulls edged Lyon 42-36 thanks to their six scores in Pretoria.

There was no such luck for DHL Stormers in their maiden Heineken Champions Cup game as they played away in France for the first time, succumbing 24-14 at the hands of ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Elsewhere, there were statement wins for eventual finalists Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais, who romped to respective victories away at Racing 92 (42-10) and at home to Northampton Saints (46-12).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AOYQL3q9a8&pp=ygUeaGVpbmVrZW4gY2hhbXBpb25zIGN1cCByb3VuZCAx

Stade Toulousain edged Munster Rugby 18-13 in a heavyweight tussle at a foggy Thomond Park, while Sale Sharks stunned Ulster Rugby with a 39-0 drubbing at the AJ Bell Stadium.

There were battling wins on the road for Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers as they took down Castres Olympique (27-12) and Ospreys (23-17) respectively, while Saracens scraped to a 30-26 success over Edinburgh Rugby in an entertaining duel at the StoneX Stadium.

London Irish’s return to the Heineken Champions Cup ended in a home defeat to Montpellier Hérault Rugby after Agustin Creevy was sent off in the first half.

Gloucester Rugby’s comeback game in EPCR’s elite competition was more prosperous as they recorded from 12 points down at half-time to secure a vital home win over Union Bordeaux-Bègles.

Following the conclusion of the 2022/23 Heineken Champions Cup, we’re taking a look back at the highlights of each round, kicking off things off with Round 1 back at the start of December.