RUGBY: European champions Munster march on by virtue of arguably their most rounded performance this season in beating Bourgoin. But for Leinster and Ulster it was a case of what might have been.

Leinster in particular will feel they left a great opportunity behind them at Murrayfield yesterday when losing 25-24 to Edinburgh, their pocket picked by a Duncan Hodge drop-goal three minutes into injury time.

They outscored their hosts by three tries to one, though Luke Fitzgerald's should have been disallowed for a blatant forward pass that was missed by the officials. Indeed French referee Joël Jutge was to have a huge impact in deciding the outcome of the match.

His interpretation of the breakdown bamboozled the Irish to the point of distraction. At one point in the second half the penalty count was 13-4 in favour of the home side.

Leinster coach Michael Cheika wouldn't be drawn on the official's performance, instead awaiting a video review to seek answers to several questions.

"I asked the boys at half-time (why we were being penalised) but no one knew. You'd have to ask the referee. He's the one making the calls. Every time the game got going there was a penalty or a free."

Every team compiles a dossier on a referee's approach, and even if Leinster were caught unawares by some of his decisions they should have adapted on the pitch. Edinburgh played the referee better and were rewarded with plenty of largesse. Leinster have to be content with a losing bonus point.

Agen's victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm puts them in pole position in the group. Leinster, having spurned a gilt-edged opportunity, find themselves scrambling alongside Edinburgh.

The back-to-back fixtures against Agen - home first and then in France - in December will be a little more fraught given yesterday's setback.

Munster won't rest on their laurels but their November break from European fare will be much more enjoyable following another victory, this time with a bonus point.

Bourgoin proved more obdurate opponents than on previous visits to Ireland; they made Munster work through their repertoire at Thomond Park. But the reigning champions eased to a comprehensive victory and will be grateful the French offered a deal more than token resistance.

Munster conjured up a lively performance embroidered with some excellent team scores. They also delivered more than the traditional virtues for which their game is lauded. The pack provided a platform but it was the incisive running and clever angles in the backs that were the most striking aspects of the victory.

Coach Declan Kidney was understandably pleased: "We would have taken that (victory) before the start of the game and to get a bonus point means that we've had a great start to the competition. Experience will tell us to keep calm but we couldn't have asked for much more than nine points from the first two games.

"We got good tries and took our chances when they came about. The important thing is that we wanted to survive October; we've done a little bit more than that. The real thing is to be at the business end of the tournament. We have got off to a good start but it is only that.

"We still have to go to Bourgoin and they will be well armed after this match. We got a good win against a good team. Leicester have to come here (Thomond Park) and we have a double (fixture) against Cardiff, a team we have never beaten in Europe."

Leicester's 21-17 win over Cardiff was arguably the best result Munster could hope for, and Kidney's men can take a firm grip on the pool if they emulate the Tigers by winning in Cardiff in December.

Munster captain Paul O'Connell spoke of the importance of building on the victory in the opening weekend against Leicester at Welford Road.

"Winning against them was fabulous but puts you in a dangerous situation as you never know how the team is going to react until you get out on the pitch.

"It (the win over Bourgoin) was an excellent, clinical, professional performance. We didn't try and do everything early on. I thought our back three (Shaun Payne, John Kelly and Ian Dowling) were excellent in difficult conditions, as were Trevor (Halstead) and Barry (Murphy).

"We have put ourselves in a great position but any (complacency) would be dangerous. We can't afford to slip up. We have two massive games (against Cardiff in December) and need to get our Magners League record back on track against Llanelli."

Ulster coach Mark McCall will probably have mixed feelings after his team's 21-15 defeat against Llanelli at Stradey Park on Friday night.

Thoughts will now focus on pivotal back-to-back games against London Irish when European Cup competition returns to the calendar in December.