It was a busy club competition weekend across Europe with some of the standout performances coming from Saffas abroad. Take a look at some of the players who were impressive.
Watch: Ball gets away with dangerous hit on Faf de Klerk
Akker van der Merwe is back to his rampaging best. ‘The Angry Warthog’ scored two tries in a man-of-the-match performance for Sale against Scarlets.
Akker van der Merwe scoring for @SaleSharksRugby against @scarlets_rugby #SaffasAbroad #HeinekenChampionsCup#SCAvSAL pic.twitter.com/SZnAYKpU0V
— Saffas Abroad Rugby ??? (@SaffasRugby) April 4, 2021
Akker van der Merwe scoring his 2nd try for @SaleSharksRugby #SaffasAbroad #HeinekenChampionsCup#SCAvSAL pic.twitter.com/vRYB2vwwBo
— Saffas Abroad Rugby ??? (@SaffasRugby) April 4, 2021
Also in the Sale game, the ‘Brothers Grimm’, Dan and Jean-Luc du Preez had industrious outings. The peroxide blond head of Jean-Luc is visible here as he orchestrates a good linebreak and offload.
So naughty from Jean-Luc du Preez#SaffasAbroad #HeinekenChampionsCup#SCAvSAL @SaleSharksRugby pic.twitter.com/pIOEZhKCOb
— Saffas Abroad Rugby ??? (@SaffasRugby) April 4, 2021
Bordeaux hooker Joseph Dweba scored a timely try to seal his side’s victory over Premiership leaders Bristol. The former Cheetah may have put out a timely reminder of his quality.
Jospeh Dweba scores for Bordeaux!!
Vital vital vital try! #SaffasAbroad #HeinekenChampionsCup #UBBvBRI pic.twitter.com/RnG2VKQarh
— Saffas Abroad Rugby ??? (@SaffasRugby) April 4, 2021
Another Saffa whose star keeps on shining is Leicester’s Jasper Wiese, pounding at the Springbok selection door. It was the turn of Connacht to feel the force of his powerful carries this past week.
May as well just tattoo ‘RASSIE PICK ME’ on his forehead at this point
— AP Cronje (@rugby_ap) April 4, 2021
Damian de Allende continues to be a phenom in the Munster midfield. This past weekend against Toulouse he showed again why many regard him as one of the the best centres in the world.
?? @Doogz v Toulouse#SaffasAbroad #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/KYOcXjb2wg
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 4, 2021
There were tries, tackles, runs and rampage aplenty this weekend for South Africa’s rugby players. In addition to the highlights above: Cobus Reinach, Cheslin Kolbe, Tyrone Green, Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule all had superb outings.
With the quality of the Saffas abroad on display this weekend, there’s all more reason to think that South Africa’s domestic franchises would be right at home in Europe in the future.
