Seven-try Leinster too strong for Clermont

Leinster launch their quest for an elusive fifth European title with an ultimately comprehensive bonus-point win over Clermont at Stade Marcel-Michelin. Sam Prendergast scored the pick of the tries for Leinster Tries: Furlong, Sheehan 2, Prendergast, penalty try, Conan, T O'Brien Cons: Prendergast 3 Pen: Prendergast Leinster launched their quest for an elusive fifth European title with an ultimately comprehensive bonus-point win over Clermont at Stade Marcel-Michelin. Beaten finalists for the fifth time in eight seasons in May, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen loaded his line-up with Ireland internationals and it paid dividends in a seven-try display in their pool one opener. While Tadhg Furlong and Dan Sheehan scored first-half tries for Leinster, the hosts edged in front before half-time thanks to Joris Jurand's score and 11 points from the boot of fly-half Harry Plummer.

But a superb try from Prendergast – who scored 16 points – within two minutes of the restart set the tone for the second half as the Irish province pulled away with a penalty try awarded before Sheehan struck for the second. Mathys Belaubre responded for Clermont before Jack Conan and Tommy O'Brien wrapped up a convincing victory for the four-time champions. Before kick-off, there was a moment's silence in memory of Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died on Friday aged 31. Former Sale player