Hi °C | Lo °C 
Defending champions Leinster salvaged a dramatic 16-16 draw in a thrilling Heineken Cup opener against fired-up newcomers Montpellier.
Montpellier captain Fulgence Ouedraogo finished off a breakaway try midway through the first period at the Stade de la Mosson as the hosts led 13-6 at the break. Francois Trinh-Duc extended Montpellier's lead early in the second half but in the final quarter Leinster finally began to wear down their opponents.
Sean Cronin barrelled over in the right corner with 14 minutes remaining, but despite Sexton's successful conversion it looked like Leinster would have to make do with a losing bonus point. However, right at the death referee Dave Pearson awarded the visitors a penalty and Sexton brilliantly held his nerve amid a cacophony of boos to grab a share of the spoils.
Sexton also contributed two first-half penalties, while Benoit Paillaugue kicked eight points for the hosts.
