Saffas’ impact limited in Top 14, PRO14

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SARugbymag.co.za looks back at the South African players who featured for their respective clubs in the French Top 14 and PRO14 this past weekend.

French Top 14:

– Montpellier’s slump in form continued with a 24-22 defeat by Racing 92. Fullback Henry Immelman, who kicked a long-range penalty, started alongside compatriots Jan Serfontein, Cobus Reinach, Jacques du Plessis and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg for Montpellier, who remain second last on the log.

– Bordeaux scored a last-minute try to stun Clermont 37-36. Lock Jandre Marais captained Bordeaux to the stirring victory that moved them two places above Clermont, who dropped out of the top five.

– Stade Français, featuring scrumhalf James Hall, clinched a commanding 29-9 bonus-point victory over Castres at home. Lock Ryno Pieterse and replacement scrumhalf Rory Kockott turned out for Castres, who are now 11th in the competition standings. Stade remain in eighth spot despite bagging maximum log points.

– Eben Etzebeth scored a try in vain as 14-man Toulon slumped to a shock 25-23 loss against Brive. Flank Retief Marais started for Brive and stayed on the field until the final whistle. The result dropped Toulon to fifth on the log, while Brive climbed to ninth place.

PRO14:

– Springbok duo Uzair Cassiem and Werner Kruger were in the Scarlets team that lost 52-25 to an in-form Leinster outfit that consolidated their place at the summit of the table. Playing in his 50th game for the club, Cassiem had one try assist after going on a storming run before offloading perfectly to a support runner.

– Munster, with Chris Cloete and Damian de Allende in their ranks, needed a last-ditch drop goal to snatch a 18-16 win over Treviso. Forwards Irne Herbst, Corniel Els and Eli Snyman were in the Treviso match-day squad. Cloete made a telling turnover at the death to crucially secure possession for Munster after they had taken the lead.

Photo: Scarlets Rugby

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Mariette Adams