Jonathan Sexton was the Leinster hero yet again with a last minute penalty as his team snatched a 16-16 draw away to French side Montpellier on their first outing as Heineken Cup champions.

Sexton scored all the Leinster points aside from a Sean Cronin on the day, but that came as no surprise to coach Joe Schmidt.

“That’s typical Johnny,” said Schmidt. “I don’t think he was rattled by it at all. I think it helps him narrow his focus and get the job done, and he did that superbly.”

Leinster captain Leo Cullen said, “A draw was a fair result. We created some good opportunities in the first half when we played with a bit of pace.

___________

Read More: 

Ireland Rugby: The Ronan O'Gara v Jonathan Sexton Debate

Jonathan Sexton's defining moment

Irish rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll’s career may be over

___________

“There were a couple of key moments in the game. We were attacking inside the 22 and turned the ball over and they went down the field and scored a try so that felt like a 14-point turnaround.

“Montpellier competed very well at the breakdown and we weren’t accurate enough in that area. At halftime we talked about being more clinical holding onto the ball and eventually we got over towards the end.

“We had some opportunities out there but so did Montpellier, so it was an even enough match really.”

Leinster are confident that Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien will be fit for Sunday’s first home game of the campaign when Glasgow visit the RDS.