Cobus Reinach, Nizaam Carr and Jacques Vermeulen starred for their respective teams in round seven of the English Premiership this past weekend.
In an action-packed round full of upsets, Bok duo Reinach and Carr as well as former Sharks flank Vermeulen hogged the headlines with their impressive performances.
The Northampton Saints were up against Johan Ackermann’s Gloucester at Franklin’s Gardens and it would be the hosts that walked away with a thrilling 33-26 victory thanks to a second half brace from Reinach. The scrumhalf completed his try double in the space of seven minutes to leave Gloucester reeling. Northampton are now second on the table, five points clear of third-placed Gloucester.
In another riveting encounter, Wasps shocked the high-flying Bristol Bears 26-21 courtesy of a magnificent solo try by Carr in the last minute of the game. Bristol are fourth on the log, while Wasps remain in 10th position despite the result.
? At what point do you think you’ll get bored of watching this? pic.twitter.com/bH5HTIWgWv
— Wasps Rugby (@WaspsRugby) December 28, 2019
The Exeter Chiefs will finish the calendar year at the summit of the log standings following their hard fought 14-7 win over Saracens. Vermeulen produced an industrious performance for the Chiefs, which he rounded off with a match-deciding try in the second half. Sarries are still languishing at the foot of the table.
YES BOOYY!!!!
Jacques Vermeulen scoring his first Premiership try against Saracens #SaffasAbroad pic.twitter.com/wGqoK3NT4Q
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) December 29, 2019
Elsewhere, Francois Louw’s Bath dragged themselves back into playoff contention with a 16-14 victory against the Saffa-laden Sale Sharks, the Worcester Warriors recorded a comfortable 20-6 triumph over London Irish and Harlequins and the Leicester Tigers played out to an exciting 30-30 draw.
Photo: @d_jrobson/Twitter