Contepomi had a stellar night with the right boot, landing nine out of 11 place-kicks for a 22-point haul, and John Fogarty, Shane Jennings and Chris Keane boosted the Irish province's try tally to six late on.

Cardiff Blues also registered their opening victory of the campaign, over Ulster, thanks to a late penalty by full-back Ben Blair.

The result – a 16-15 win – if not the patchy performance, eases the pressure on Blues coach Dai Young, criticised for putting out a weakened side which lost at the Ospreys in midweek.

The home side's only try came from Leigh Halfpenny, with BJ Botha and Isaac Boss crossing for Ulster, but Blair's kicking proved decisive as he claimed 11 points.