LAST UPDATE | 13 Jan 2024

The 42

MUNSTER FANS HAVE witnessed many special away days in Europe and now they’ve another one to add to the collection.

Those in red jerseys enjoying the January sunshine around Toulon’s bustling pier and busy streets this morning weren’t feeling optimistic about their chances in France today but Graham Rowntree’s side took their opportunites when they came at the Stade Felix Mayol to record a superb bonus-point win – Alex Nankivell, Simon Zebo, Tom Ahern and Calvin Nash supplying the tries in a 29-18 win.

After a home draw with Bayonne and late collapse at Exeter, this result has saved Munster’s Champions Cup season heading into next week’s home meeting with Northampton Saints.

• Read full report: Munster save their Champions Cup season with brilliant bonus-point win over Toulon

Connacht’s faint Champion Cup hopes disappeared in Lyon as they fell to their third loss of the campaign, defeated 34-20 after another frustrating display.

Connacht players applaud their fans. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

They recovered well from a poor opening half and had a window in the third quarter to take control of this encounter, but they failed to push on and left France empty-handed. 

It effectively means that next Friday’s much heralded return by Pat Lam and his Bristol Bears to the Sportsground is really a dead rubber as far as this competition is concerned.

Seán Jansen, Cian Prendergast and Tadhg McElroy bagged tries but Connacht have now just netted a single point from their opening three games.

• Read full report: Connacht’s Champions Cup hopes disappear in frustrating Lyon loss

Leinster delivered much to to warm the cockles on a cold, crisp night in Dublin in a resounding 43-7 win against Stade Francais. 

This bonus-point win secures Leinster’s place in the round of 16 but they’ll be gunning for another victory in Leicester next weekend to make it four wins from four in Pool 4 and strengthen their position for home advantage throughout the knock-out stages.

Among the only other real blots was an injury for starting out-half Ciarán Frawley early in the second half. The 26-year-old walked off the field in clear discomfort and the timing is bad with Ireland’s Six Nations squad to be named on Wednesday.

• Read full report: Seven-try Leinster blast past Stade but Frawley’s injury a worry

Ulster felt the full force of Toulouse’s galaxy of stars in Belfast, falling to a heavy 48-24 defeat. 

The crowd came to see Antione Dupont and he did not disappoint, going over for two tries, while hooker Peato Mauvaka also accounted for a brace. Ulster fell one try short of a bonus point.

• Read full report: Antoine Dupont and Toulouse dish out Belfast beating to sorry Ulster