SARugbymag.co.za looks back at the past weekend's Anglo-Welsh Cup final, Celtic Pro12 and French Top 14 matches that involved South African players.
ANGLO-WELSH CUP
– The Exeter Chiefs defeated favourites the Northampton Saints 15-8, to lift the Ango-Welsh Cup and the first major trophy in the club's history. The Chiefs led at half-time and it was a lead they didn't surrender however hard the Saints pressed. Former Stormers flank Don Armand came on in the 51st minute and left the field a winner, while eighthman Gerrit-Jan van Velze made Northampton's run-on XV, but came off Sandy Park as dejected as his team-mates.
CELTIC PRO12
– Bok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar kicked three out of four conversions for Ulster in their 26-13 bonus-point win over the Scarlets. Former Bok and Sharks lock Johann Muller, lock Robbie Diack and Cape Town-born hooker Rob Herring all started alongside Pienaar for the home team. There was, however, something to celebrate for South African lock duo Johan Snyman and George Earle who both earned their 50th caps for the Scarlets and compatriot Jacobie Adriaanse (prop) was on the field with them when they reached their milestones.
– Meanwhile, Edinburgh has announced that lock Izak van der Westhuizen will leave the club at the end of the European season and will return to South Africa to join the EP Kings on a three-year deal.
FRENCH TOP 14
– Former Stormers fullback Joe Pietersen was in fine form for Biarritz against Oyonnax, scoring one of their three tries. Leading by a point heading into the last five minutes, it looked as though relegated Biarritz were on their way to a rare victory when, in the 78th minute, Oyonnax converted a penalty to clinch the match 24-22.
– Clermont opted to not renew flank Gerhard Vosloo's contract and according to French media the 34-year-old is on the verge of signing a one-year contract with European champions Toulon. The flanker previously played for the Golden Lions, Castres and Brive before he joined Clermont in 2011.
– The EP Kings are also looking to secure the signature of Stade Français hooker Michael van Vuuren, whose contract with the French club runs out at the end of the season.
By: Mariette Adams
Photo: Gaizka Iroz/AFP Photo
