Anxious wait for Leinster after win over Chiefs

CHAMPIONS Leinster kept their Heineken Cup hopes alive with a 29-20 win at Exeter Chiefs in Pool 5. Two tries in a seven-minute spell early in the second half were enough but they now have to await the outcome of today’s home match for Munster against Racing Metro in Pool 1 to see if they can progress to the quarter-finals as one of the best second -placed sides alongside Montpellier.

The French side got through by beating Pool 6 winners Toulon 23-3. Benoit Paillaugue scored 15 points, including a try, along with another try by Thomas Combezou to put the home side into the last eight for the first time ever.

Pool 5’s unbeaten side Clermont Auvergne booked a home quarter-final with a bonus-point 29-0 victory against the Scarlets in Wales.

Clermont captain Aurelien Rougerie registered the bonus-point try 14 minutes from time, adding to earlier scores from Napolioni Nalaga, Morgan Parra and Benson Stanley.

Lloyd Williams starred as Cardiff Blues rewarded their fans with a 26-14 Pool 6 win over Sale.

Blues supporters cleared snow off the Arms Park pitch and, although there was nothing at stake in terms of qualification, Blues scrum-half Williams scored a fine individual try and set up another for Michael Paterson, with Leigh Halfpenny kicking 16 points.

Ulster guaranteed themselves a home tie with a scrappy 9-8 victory over 
Castres at Stade Pierre-Antoine, courtesy of three Ruan Pienaar penalties.