How the Irish players rated in this weekend's Champions Cup action
A strong 80 minutes. Lorded line-outs, solid in defence, and involved in go-forward attacks.
Played the full 80 in his first game back since Connacht’s win over Munster. Passing, link play, and defence as solid as always.
Man of the Match. Played 57 minutes. Back to his sniping best, and controlled the game well.
Played 53 minutes - solid performance in a dominant scrum.
LEINSTER
heavily involved but blew good opportunity at 7-5.
Couldn’t have his usual impact on a game.
Tough afternoon against a dominant Wasps pack.
Decent first half but faded after the break.
First start at second row and one to forget.
Replaced Cronin with 20 minutes to go but little impact.
Played second fiddle to opposite number Joe Launchbury.
Replace Jordi Murphy at half-time and continued recent good form.
MUNSTER
Making his comeback from an ankle ligament injury off the bench, he looked strong in the loose but had little chance to impress at scrum-time.
Put his hand up for Test selection with another sharp display, looking particularly good under the high ball.
Looked back to his best as he drove his pack and caused problems for Treviso’s defence, grabbing his side’s third try with another opportunist break.
Continued a fine comeback from an horrific hip dislocation that caused him to miss the World Cup. Plenty of breakdown work and strong in the carry.
Returned to the starting line-up following his comeback from a knee injury and was solid at lock, typically abrasive in contact.
Withdrawn in the 54th minute in order to manage his minutes after a tireless run of performances, he had led from the from the front and carried strongly.
Was chasing Munster’s outright try scoring record but failed to edge past Anthony Horgan with his 42nd on a day little came off for him.
ULSTER
His late cameo brought the crowd it is feet. Enjoyed the handling and passing in the open spaces.
Marked his return from injury with a try, and his strong, direct running and determinedly precise interplay in midfield showed he’s back to his best.
The stand-in skipper gave another lung-bursting performance and led by example.
The out-half grows in stature with every game, and his line-breaks, timing of the pass and flawless kicking made for a complete display.
Another eye-catching, creative performance at centre, organising the line of attack while his pace and speed of hand and thought totally baffled the French.
Typically intelligent in attack and defence, always a threat with deft distribution and his eye for space.
He was given little of the sweeping possession Ulster won. However, he went hunting for work in the loose.
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