Leinster take pole position

Edinburgh Reivers' flying start in Pool One of the Heineken European Cup came to a shuddering halt when they lost a second successive match having won their opening two games. A disastrous first-half display at home to Biarritz left them with too much to do and they eventually lost 35-27.

It means that Leinster head the group on points difference from Biarritz, and next January the Reivers visit Donnybrook in the fifth round of games with Leinster coach Matt Williams hoping Northampton can beat Biarritz at home.

In Pool Two, Swansea thrashed L'Aquila 73-3 at St Helen's with full back Kevin Morgan grabbing a hat-trick of tries. Swansea lead the pool but face two difficult fixtures, at home to Wasps and away to Stade Francais.

The French side won yesterday's game against Wasps in London 3128 and it now appears as if Swansea and Stade Francais will dispute overall honours.

Cardiff remain the team to catch in Pool Three following Friday night's convincing victory over Saracens. Welsh outhalf Neil Jenkins scored all 24 of his side's points by kicking eight penalties. Toulouse's victory over Ulster (29-25) at Ravenhill revived their hopes, but they must travel to Saracens next time out before hosting Cardiff in their final match. Ulster travel to Cardiff before playing Saracens in their final outing. Nothing short of two victories will suffice and even then they are forced to rely on others.

In Pool Four, Castres' 43-21 victory over Newport certainly did Munster a favour, as Declan Kidney's men slipped to their first defeat of this season's competition against Bath. Castres, who were inspired by Jeremy Davidson, now find themselves in the unusual position of having no points despite winning Saturday night's game. They were deducted two points for fielding an illegal player earlier in the campaign.

The race for top spot in Pool Five is being contested by three teams: Llanelli, Gloucester and Colomiers. Irish international scrumhalf Guy Easterby was one of Llanelli's try scorers in an easy 41-21 victory over Roma in Rome. Colomiers beat Gloucester 30-19 at home and of the three it seems that Llanelli, who lead their rivals by a single point, have the toughest matches to finish the group.

Leicester continue to lead the way in Pool Six after securing a hard-fought home victory over Pontypridd on Saturday. Geordan Murphy started for the Tigers as they recorded a 27-19 success. French side Pau easily overcame Glasgow Caledonians 44-16 to join Leicester on six points.

In the European Shield, London Irish maintained their unbeaten record with 58-13 win away to Piacenza. They enjoy a one point advantage over Brive who also won at the weekend.

Keith Wood's Harlequins suffered their first defeat when losing 23-22 away to Dax. It was a disappointing afternoon for Wood who received a yellow card, but there was better news for long-term injury victim Niall Woods, who claimed a place on the bench.