SARugbymag.co.za looks back at the past weekend's French Top 14 matches, which involved South African players.
– Hooker Marthinus van der Westhuizen and prop Dan Kotzé came off Clermont's bench in the second half of their 25-6 victory over Grenoble on Saturday. Van der Westhuizen plays for Colombiers in the Pro D2, but has joined the winners as a medical joker for the duration of the World Cup. Former Springbok and Stormers fullback Gio Aplon turned out for Grenoble.
– Flyhalf Burton Francis kicked three penalty goals, but it wasn't enough as Agen slumped to a 20-9 loss against Toulouse. Loosehead prop Gurthrö Steenkamp started for the winners but was substituted in the 49th minute. Agen used tighthead prop Ruaan du Preez from the 33rd minute following an injury to their starting No 3.
– Former Sharks fullback Sean Robinson, locks Francois van der Merwe and Juandré Kruger and No 8 Antonie Claassen were in Racing's starting XV in their tense 20-19 win over La Rochelle. Ex-Bok scrumhalf Ricky Januarie did service for La Rochelle.
– Newly promoted Pau stunned a star-studded Montpellier side, featuring prop Schalk van der Merwe, lock Paul Willemse and flank Wiaan Liebenberg, 26-16 at Stade du Hameau. Prop Pat Cilliers and scrumhalf Cameron Wright were benched by Montpellier.
– Ex-Sharks hooker Jody Jenneker scored one of four tries as Oyonnax ousted Bordeaux 37-19 to pick up their first win of the season. Ex-Bulls flank Pedrie Wannenburg represented Oyonnax from the 57th minute, while lock Berend Botha did duty for Bordeaux in the first 50 minutes.
– Stade Français, with lock Gerhard Mostert, eighthman Jono Ross and centre Meyer Bosman in their ranks, slumped to an uninspiring 22-13 defeat at the hands of Brive. Lock Peet Marais and flanker Paul Hauman were part of the winning team.
– Toulon's slow start to the season continued, as they suffered a 24-9 loss against Castres. Former Bok Juan Smith captained Toulon, who also had Willie du Plessis at flyhalf and No 8 Gerhard Vosloo among the reserves. After two rounds, Toulon are 12th on the log and Castres fourth.
Compiled by Mariette Adams
Photo: Philippe Merle/Getty Images
