Leinster overcome Nadolo double to beat Montpellier 24-17

Leinster 24-17 Montpellier, RDS Arena
Scorecard

Leinster came up with a clinical performance at RDS Arena on Saturday as they registered a bonus point victory over Montpellier in their European Champions Cup opener.

After the first 16 minutes went without a point, Ireland international Joey Carbery opened the account for Leinster with a touchdown and eight minutes later, Josh Van der Flier also crossed over to make it 12-0 in favour of the hosts.

At the stroke of half-time, Montpellier opened their account when Nemani Nadolo went past the line and a conversion from scrum half Ruan Pienaar meant, the visitors trailed by five points leading into the second half.

Leinster further extended their advantage when Robbie Henshaw scored a try after restart but Montpellier were unwilling to relent as Nadolo scored his second try by the 61st minute as the difference between the teams continued to remain at five points.

Just as the game was heading for a tight finish, winger Barry Daly scored the decisive try in the 66th minute that not just stretched Leinster's lead to 10 points but also helped them attain a bonus point. From there on Ruan Pienaar's penalty remained the only points Montpellier could add as they succumbed to a seven point defeat that helped them claim a losing bonus point.