SARugbymag.co.za looks at the past weekend’s European Champions Cup, European Challenge Cup and French Top 14 matches, involving South African players.

CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL

– Flyhalf Pat Lambie and flank Bernard le Roux were both in Racing 92’s starting lineup against Leinster, who went on to win 15-12. Le Roux played the entire match, but Lambie was forced to leave the field after just three minutes due to an ACL injury.

ALSO READ: Lambie faces lengthy spell on sidelines

CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

– No 8 Ruan Ackermann and his Gloucester teammates suffered an agonising 31-30 defeat against the Cardiff Blues. Gloucester led 20-6 at half-time, but the Blues clawed their way back into the contest before a last-minute penalty gave them a dramatic win.

TOP 14 PROMOTION/RELEGATION PLAYOFF

– Grenoble, featuring lock Francois Uys and flyhalf Burton Francis, thumped Oyonnax 47-22 to gain promotion to the Top 14. Francis kicked one of Grenoble’s six conversions. Scrumhalf James Hall and lock Steven Sykes started for Oyonnax, who have now been relegated to the Pro D2.

Photo: FC Grenoble Rugby/Facebook