Leinster have mountain to climb after defeat by Wasps

The tragic events in Paris on Friday night cast a long shadow over the opening round of European action with five games postponed across the Champions and Challenge Cups.

With Ulster’s game in France against debutants Oyonnax one of those cancelled, it was left to Munster and Leinster to kickstart the post-World Cup revival of Irish rugby aspirations.

Of the two, Leinster faced the more difficult challenge in dealing with a Wasps side that has been transformed since the takeover of the club by Cork-born businessman Derek Richardson. At least new Leinster head coach Leo Cullen enjoyed the comfort of familiar surroundings at the RDS to mark his European debut at the helm.