Gianluigi Guercia AFP
South Africa's World Cup fly-half Manie Libbok broke French hearts again on Saturday with a last-minute conversion for the Stormers that sent holders La Rochelle spinning to a 21-20 defeat in Cape Town, meanwhile, Leinster came from behind to win against Sale.
Three-time champions Saracens, meanwhile, got their first win in a 55-36 romp at home to Irish province Connacht, while Bordeaux-Begles overpowered Bristol 36-17.
La Rochelle, who were beaten at home last week by Leinster in a repeat of the last two finals, began strongly with former All Black scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow crossing in the first half for a 13-6 lead.
Yoan Tanga then appeared to put the French out of sight with a third try.
But Ben Loader pulled a try back for the South African franchise before a double twist firmly shifted momentum their way.
La Rochelle fly-half Antoine Hastoy had a try ruled out for an infringement in the build-up by Joel Sclavi, who was then given a yellow card.
Leinster, meanwhile, trailed 13-3 to Sale just before half-time in Dublin but turned the game around with a thrilling performance in the second half.
Josh van der Flier dotted down just before the break and that was followed by further touchdowns for Jamison Gibson-Park, Robbie Henshaw, Ryan Baird, and Cian Healy.
Leinster's 37-27 win earned them a bonus point and they top Pool 4, with a four-point lead over Leicester in second place.
Saracens got their quest for a fourth European title back on track following a defeat against the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend with a bonus-point triumph over Connacht in Pool 1.
Lyon were another side who needed a late finish to secure a win, Thibaut Regard's 72nd-minute try edging them to a 29-28 home win over the Bulls.
Cardiff collected two losing bonus points for their efforts with Wales wing Josh Adams scoring twice before going off injured in a 39-32 defeat.
Ulster bounced back from defeat to Bath last week with a 31-15 victory over French Top 14 leaders Racing 92, whose indiscipline cost them dear as they slipped to a second successive defeat.
AFP
