Leinster scored eight tries to annihilate Wasps 52-3 in their opening European Champions Cup match on Friday.

The defending champions were always favoured to come out victors in this game, but Wasps’ lack of resistance was unexpected.

Wasps – who had Springbok trio Willie le Roux, Juan de Jongh and Nizaam Carr in their lineup – were forced into defensive mode early on as Leinster played at a ferocious pace from the outset. That saw the hosts take an early 7-3 lead. Sean Cronin scored the opening try, while Lima Sopoaga hit back with a penalty for Wasps.

The rest of the first half was all Leinster as they continued to bash away at Wasps’ tryline. But twice Thomas Young had made try-saving turnovers to repel Leinster. However, when Sopoaga was yellow-carded, Leinster pounced late in the half to extend their lead to 14-3.

The second half was complete domination as Leinster turned on the style to score six more tries and turned the screws tighter on defence to keep the visitors scoreless.

Scrumhalf Luke McGrath scored his second try after the break and wing James Lowe also bagged a second-half brace.

Leinster’s other tries came from Irish internationals Jordan Larmour, Robbie Henshaw and Jack McGrath.

In a weird end to the game, there was a lengthy stoppage as referee Romain Pointe had to be attended to and replaced following an accidental collision with Leinster flank Rhys Ruddock.

Photo: Leinster Rugby