Reigning champions of Europe's elite club competition, Leinster, travelled to Montpellier and faced the tournament newcomers at the Stade de la Mosson. Two early penalties from both sides got the scoreboard rolling with the score at 3-3.

Late in the first quarter Sexton added another penalty, giving Leinster the lead over the tournament rookies. France world cup star, Francois Trinh-Duc, showed real class early on and assisted his side in a sustained Montpellier attack. But they fumbled the ball forwards and Heaslip countered, making ground for Leinster.