Carbery scores opening try as Kildare men help Leinster to bonus point win in Champions Cup opener

Leinster hung on during a nervy few final minutes to emerge from their Champions Cup opener against Montpellier with a bonus point victory in an enthralling match at the RDS this afternoon that finished 24-17 in their favour.

Starting without the experienced trio of Sean O'Brien, Johnny Sexton and Rob Kearney, it was some of the province's young guns who shone brightest as they put four tries past a physical Montpellier outfit that fielded a number of international stars from all over the world.

There was plenty of Kildare influence in the game as James Tracy was solid with his throws from the lineouts up until he was replaced in the second half, while fellow Kill man Adam Byrne showed some searing power and pace to scythe through the French side's defence on occasion, though he was sent to the sin bin late on for a deliberate knock on. Joey Carbery was the pick of the three however, brushing off some early wobbles to start and finish a superb 17th minute try, while he also had a major role in Leinster's second touchdown as Josh Van Der Flier crossed the whitewash eight minutes later.

Montpellier bit back with a try from Nemani Nadolo before the break, but Robbie Henshaw's 47th minute try put Leinster in the driving seat at 19-7.

The French club continued to rally however, and another try from Nadolo ensured a nervy second period, though Barry Daly's late try gave Leinster some breathing space - and the bonus point - as they hung on for a crucial opening day win.