Dylan Jack

La Rochelle's South African wing Dillyn Leyds (L) and La Rochelle's French lock Thomas Lavault celebrate after scoring a try during the European Rugby Champions Cup pool B rugby union match between Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle) and Northampton at The Marcel-Deflandre Stadium in La Rochelle, western France on December 10, 2022.

Saffas Abroad: Leyds gives defending champs fast start

Here’s a wrap of all the action involving overseas-based SA players in the Champions and Challenge Cup, including how Dillyn Leyds helped La Rochelle make the perfect start.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 11: James Murphy of South Africa after the Cup Semi Final match between Samoa and South Africa on day 3 of the HSBC Cape Town Sevens at DHL Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Draining format clogs Blitzboks’ blockage

A protracted schedule took the wind out of South Africa’s sails at the rain-soaked Cape Town Sevens on Sunday and extended their seven-year drought at home, writes DYLAN JACK.

Ryan Oosthuizen of South Africa on the attack during Day 3 of the 2022 HSBC Cape Town Sevens held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on 11 November 2022

Blitzboks miss podium, Samoa crowned champs

The Blitzboks were forced to settle for fourth place after being handed a second successive loss at the Cape Town Sevens by the USA in rainy conditions on Sunday night.

Vaovasa Afa Sua of Samoa celebrates as Samoa beat South Africa in extra time to reach the Final during Day 3 of the 2022 HSBC Cape Town Sevens held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on 11 November 2022

Blitzboks booted out of Cape Town Sevens

The Blitzboks’ dream of a first Cape Town Sevens title since 2015 came crashing down when Samoa landed an extra-time drop goal in the semi-finals on Sunday.

Clermont's French fullback Cheikh Tiberghien (L) and Stormers' South African wing Clayton Blommetjies (R) react during the European Champions Cup pool B rugby union match between Clermont and Stormers at the Michelin stadium in Clermont-Ferrand on December 10, 2022.

Gutsy Stormers outclassed by Clermont

The DHL Stormers surrendered an 11-point half-time lead under siege by a resurgent Clermont side in their first Champions Cup match on Saturday night.

JC Pretorius of South Africa attempts to get past Joseva Talacolo of Fiji during Day 2 of the 2022 HSBC Cape Town Sevens held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on 10 November 2022

Brilliant Blitzboks too hot for Fiji

The Blitzboks climbed to the top of their pool at the Cape Town Sevens, streaking to victory against rivals Fiji in sweltering conditions on Saturday morning.

South Africa players pray after victory over Canada during the 2022 HSBC Cape Town Sevens at Cape Town Stadium in South Africa on 9 December 2022

Snyman orders Blitzboks to stick it to Fiji

Springbok Sevens assistant coach Philip Snyman was satisfied, but not smiling, after the Blitzboks’ opening victory at the Cape Town Sevens on Friday evening.

Eben calls for Boks to join Six Nations

Eben Etzebeth believes it would be a sensible decision for the Springboks to fully commit to the northern hemisphere by joining the Six Nations, especially in terms of player welfare.

EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / Montpellier's South African scrum-half Cobus Reinach (C) runs with the ball during the European Rugby Champions Cup pool B rugby union match between London Irish and Montpellier Herault at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, north London, on December 9, 2022.

Reinach stars in magnificent Montpellier comeback

Cobus Reinach dotted down as Montpellier recovered from an 18-point deficit to beat London Irish on the opening night of the Champions Cup on Friday.

Jeremy WARD of Stade Francais Paris and James HALL of Stade Francais Paris during the Scores Challenge Cup match between Stade Francais and Benetton at Stade Jean Bouin on December 9, 2022 in Paris, France.

Watch: Hall, Ward combine in Stade win

South African substitutes James Hall and Jeremy Ward were involved in a try as Stade Francais came from behind to beat Benetton in the Challenge Cup on Friday.