Jack Conan’s pride and joy playing for Leinster

Montpellier’s billionaire owner Mohed Altrad hoped his expensively assembled team would send a message to the rest of European rugby on Saturday in the RDS.

But the 24-17 full-time score, in favour of the home side, sent one of its own.

While the Top14 side had spent millions recruiting Louis Picamoles (including a rare transfer fee), Aaron Cruden and Ruan Pienaar, Leinster sent out a starting XV that included 13 homegrown players, and Robbie Henshaw. Isa Nacewa, the 35-year-old utility back, the outlier.