It was the French who caught the eye in round one with six of their eight teams winning, including Stade Rochelais and Toulon away from home.
Glasgow head coach Franco Smith has confirmed he expects to be without Scotland fly-half Adam Hastings for at least the next three months.
This weekend’s return of the Gallagher Premiership following a five-week hibernation was given its banner headline on Wednesday when Joe Marler confirmed he will retire from playing with immediate effect following Friday night’s Harlequins match at home to Bristol.
Gregor Townsend oversaw a positive autumn with the dangerous Wallabies vanquished, but there are gnawing sores to fix.
Warriors were already assured of a top-four finish but their bid to go into the play-offs on a high note were in jeopardy for much of the evening as the spirited Italians led until the 66th minute before wilting in the closing stages.
Franco Smith was in combative mode post-game on Friday night in Dublin.
Gregor Townsend is braced for a difficult task in whittling his 41-man Rugby World Cup training group down to 33 for the tournament itself, although the Scotland head coach is intent on finalising his pool for France in early August.
Comments made by South African hooker Bongi Mbonambi towards English match day referee Matthew Carley has been heavily criticised on social media.
