Toulon open title defence in impressive fashion

Opening their defence of the title they won for the first time in Dublin in May, the French side had bagged a bonus point within 32 minutes and looked an even more complete team than they were last season.

However, with the game seemingly won by half-time the champions then had to weather a spirited fightback from Glasgow, who ran in four tries of their own in 22 minutes to ensure they headed home with a bonus point in a 51-28 defeat.

England’s World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson returned to Toulon’s starting line-up and orchestrated a brilliant opening period.

He eventually left the field with an ice pack on his right hand, but such is the strength in depth of the Toulon squad that Wilkinson’s departure led to the arrival of Frederic Michalak.

Exeter’s ill-discipline almost cost them dear before they secured a 44-29 victory over Cardiff Blues in their opener at Sandy Park.

Exeter ran in five first-half tries and led 36-3 at the interval.

The Blues mounted a second-half comeback, securing a try-scoring bonus point for their efforts, after the Chiefs had to play with just 13 players in the final quarter after having two players sent to the sin bin.

Harlequins’ season continued to deteriorate with their defeat by the Scarlets getting them off to a 33-26 losing start in the Cup.

Winger Jonny May’s late try gave Gloucester a dramatic 
27-22 victory as Perpignan had their former Munster centre Lifeimi Mafi sent off. May struck five minutes from time during an intense Pool Six encounter.

Leinster got their quest for a fourth Heineken Cup crown off to a 19-9 winning start as Sean O’Brien’s try helped them battle past the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium. The British and Irish Lions flanker’s try capped an excellent personal display, with fly-half Jimmy Gopperth booting the rest of Leinster’s points with four penalties.

Dylan Hartley claimed a try but Northampton slumped to a 19-13 defeat in their opening match of the Cup campaign.

Hartley pounced for his team’s only try as Northampton lacked the firepower to overcome the defending French Top 14 champions.

Jonathan Pelissie came off the bench to propel Montpellier to a 27-10 win against Benetton Treviso in Pool Five.

In Pool 4, Racing Metro 92 triumphed 13-9 at home to Clermont Auvergne.