Another action-packed weekend in the northern hemisphere featured excellent performances from the Du Preez brothers, as well as Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese.
Premiership
– Robert and Daniel du Preez both got on the scoresheet as Sale Sharks eased to 37-14 victory over London Irish. Daniel scored a try in the first half, while flyhalf Robert continued to make his case for a Springbok place with another excellent performance, which included two penalties and three conversions, as well as a try-assist. Jean-Luc du Preez started at lock for Sale, while hooker Akker van der Merwe was on the bench.
– Gloucester needed a late penalty to claim a thrilling 31-28 victory over West Country rivals Bristol Bears. Ruan Ackermann started at No 8 for Gloucester and made 40 metres from 10 carries as well as nine tackles.
– Juarno Augustus dotted down as Northampton Saints held off a late fightback from Newcastle Falcons to win 32-21.
– Saracens went top of the table by beating winless Bath 37-31, after leading 16-10 at half time. Ivan van Zyl started for Saracens.
– Jasper Wiese and Hanro Liebenberg both played influential roles as Leicester Tigers claimed a 27-10 win over Harlequins. Bok No 8 Wiese played 63 minutes, made 15 carries, beat one defender, made nine tackles and won a turnover, while loose forward Liebenberg made 13 tackles and won 10 lineouts.
Andre Esterhuizen was at inside centre for Harlequins and made 11 carries, while Bok tighthead Wilco Louw also started for Harlequins. Fullback Tyrone Green suffered what appeared to be another long-term injury in the second half.
Top 14
– Toulouse continued their run at the top of the table by hammering Brive 45-7 for their fourth win in a row. Springbok flank Rynhardt Elstadt started for Toulouse.
– Jeremy Ward made his first start for Stade Francais as the Parisian club beat Pau 31-29. JJ van der Mescht scored a try off the bench for Stade, while scrumhalf James Hall was also a replacement for Stade.
– Lyon climbed above Montpellier into seventh place with a 33-26 win. Cobus Reinach played off the bench for Montpellier, who suffered their third straight defeat.
– Madosh Tambwe was back in action for Bordeaux, who claimed a 29-17 win over Racing 92. Springbok tighthead prop Trevor Nyakane started for Racing.
– Second-placed La Rochelle kept in arm’s reach of leaders Toulouse by claiming a 32-5 bonus-point win over Toulon. Raymond Rhule started at outside centre for La Rochelle, while Cheslin Kolbe played on the right wing for Toulon.
Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images for Sale Sharks
