Leinster opened their Investec Champions Cup campaign with a 16-9 victory over La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.
Jordan Larmour’s converted 11th minute try helped Leo Cullen’s men lead 10-6 at half-time. Antoine Hastoy with all of La Rochelle’s points from the tee.
Both sides played with 14 men for ten minutes of the first half. Leinster’s Joe McCarthy and La Rochelle’s Jonathan Danty both receiving a yellow card.
The second half was dominated by penalties. Ciaran Frawley added a further six points while Hastoy was on target for the hosts.
Ronan O’Gara’s men will aim to bolster their quest for a third straight title next weekend. A difficult assignment awaits; a trip to South Africa to face the DHL Stormers.
Leinster meanwhile will have home advantage for their second round clash with the Sale Sharks.
