Leinster set piece remains a cause of concern for O’Connor

Two wins from two for Leinster and Munster, and after uncertain starts to their Pro 12 seasons, it might be one of the more satisfying openings to a European season either province has had.

Leinster won ugly. A 21-16 win in France and a match where, after an early Castres try, players rarely troubled the opposition 22. Coach Matt O’Connor will have been pleased with his players’ discipline in the first 40 minutes as they conceded just one penalty. That good work was undone by six penalties conceded in the first 17 minutes of the second half, which helped Castres take a 16-9 lead.

No. 8 Jamie Heaslip again led the way with ball in hand; 23 carries against Wasps, 20 in Castres.