Saffas Abroad: Esterhuizen’s boot aids Harlequins comeback

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Defending champions Harlequins produced another dramatic recovery as they came from a 16-point deficit to beat Wasps in the English Premiership this past weekend.

In a thrilling encounter in Coventry on Sunday, Wasps took a 16-0 lead into the break, but Harlequins scored four unanswered tries in the second half to snatch a victory.

Andre Esterhuizen started at inside centre for the visitors and kicked at goal in the second half, nailing three conversions. The Springbok also contributed 13 carries, 14 passes, seven tackles and three offloads while he picked up a try assist.

Tyrone Green had another excellent performance at fullback, scoring a 41st-minute try that began the comeback, while he made a massive total of 157 metres from 16 carries, beating seven defenders and making 10 passes.

Springbok tighthead prop Wilco Louw came off the bench for Harlequins in the second half, alongside lock Stephan Lewies.

Wasps had Nizaam Carr starting at openside flank and the Springbok played 63 minutes, making 12 tackles and winning two turnovers. Francois Hougaard was on the bench for the hosts.


Akker van der Merwe made a try-scoring return to Sale Sharks starting lineup in a 30-6 victory over Northampton Saints.

The Bok hooker started alongside Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, JP du Preez, Jono Ross, Coenie Oosthuizen and Rohan Janse van Rensburg in Sale’s lineup.

The Du Preez twins made the joint-most tackles (12) for Sale in the match, while Janse van Rensburg beat the most defenders (2).

Courtnall Skosan started on the right wing for Northampton, but could not continue his excellent try-scoring start for the team.

Ivan van Zyl started at scrumhalf for Saracens as they were held to a remarkable 34-34 draw by a 14-man London Irish team, who had centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg and tighthead prop Marcel van der Merwe in their starting lineup.

Louis Schreuder and Philip van der Walt both started for Newcastle Falcons in their 15-14 win over Exeter Chiefs.

Cyle Brink played at No 8 for the Leicester Tigers as they claimed a 40-23 bonus-point win over bottom-placed Bath on Friday evening.

Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

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Dylan Jack