DONAL LENIHAN: Munster missed a trick with Nonu

It shows just how competitive the Heineken Cup have become that after the opening two rounds, only three of the 24 teams have managed back-to-back wins. The good news from an Irish perspective is that, along with Toulouse, the other two are Leinster and Ulster, whose outstanding 8-25 win over joint Top 14 leaders Montpellier at the Stade Yevs du Manoir has set them up for greater things.

All of a sudden, that win has thrown down the gauntlet to pool rivals Leicester Tigers, who now face the enviable task of having to replicate that result when they travel to the south of France in December. After a slow start to the Rabo, Ulster have rediscovered their form at a crucial time with back-to-back wins over sides of real quality in the Tigers and Montpellier. With a double-header against Treviso next up, they should be in pole position for the Christmas break.

Not that Treviso will be a soft touch. Always sticky opponents at the Stadio Monigo, their away form has also improved and it was only in the 79th minute that Leicester, in the hallowed surrounds of Welford Road, managed to cross the line for their four try bonus point.