After the thrills of round one, it was a rather more difficult second round of games from teams in the Guinness PRO14, but Leinster and Ulster continue to lead the way.

Those two, along with Munster, are still unbeaten in the Champions Cup, while Edinburgh and the Dragons are also yet to taste defeat in the Challenge Cup.

LEINSTER OFF TO A FLIER

And in Josh van der Flier, Leinster had perhaps the star man of the weekend as the Ireland flanker played a huge role in their 13-6 win in Lyon.

Johnny Sexton may have been named man of the match, but it was Van der Flier’s chargedown that set up the only Leinster try, while he also made 20 tackles, the most of any player over the course of the weekend, and added three clean breaks for good measure.

Max Deegan, who scored the Leinster try, was not far behind in the tackle stakes, making 16 in a remarkable rearguard effort that held the French leaders scoreless despite long periods in the Leinster 22.

A word also for James Ryan. His 79 metres made were not among the leaders for the weekend, but he was miles out in front in terms of the second rows. With two clean breaks and 11 tackles, he more than played his part in the success.

HUGE wins for @UlsterRugby and @leinsterrugby in Champions Cup Round 2️⃣

While @dragonsrugby lead the way in the Challenge Cup 🐲

Here's how it stands for the #GuinnessPRO14 sides on the European stage ⤵️https://t.co/isFkPMTftC
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) November 24, 2019

FORMER TEAMMATES ON FIRE

Ulster and Munster are also still unbeaten in Europe, but they managed that in very different manners. Ulster got the better of French giants Clermont in Belfast on Friday night, while Munster hung on for a draw against more Top 14 opposition in the shape of Racing 92.

Both teams were grateful to players signed from the Sale Sharks last season. Mike Haley and Will Addison have both thrived since crossing the Irish Sea, and they were at their best this weekend.

Haley had the slight edge in terms of metres made, 119 to Addison’s 111, and he also beat eight defenders, with Addison managing a very respectable six.