SARugbymag.co.za looks back at the past weekend's French Top 14 semi-finals, which involved South African players.

– Stade Français advanced to the Top 14 final after upsetting defending champions Toulon 33-16. Bok flyhalf Morné Steyn was the star of the show yet again, top-scoring with 18 points (three conversions and four penalties) for the winners. Bakkies Botha, who played in his last competitive match, Bryan Habana and Juan Smith all turned out for Toulon and were joined in the 71st minute by scrumhalf Michael Claassens. Centre Meyer Bosman and flank Jono Ross featured for Stade in the second half.

– Toulouse, with prop Gurthrö Steenkamp in their ranks, lost 18-14 to Clermont in the second semi-final. The winners trailed with eight minutes left on the clock, but pulled off the victory courtesy of a late penalty and drop goal. Clermont and Stade will compete for the title at the Stade de France in Paris next week.

Compiled by Mariette Adams

Photo: Nicolas Tucat/AFP Photo