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Kiwis in Europe: Bristol's Kiwis on tight-rope
Total Kiwis: 90
It is a case of two steps forward and one back for Pat Lam’s Bristol Bears in the UK Premiership.
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Bristol, coming off two straight wins, including a much-needed victory at Franklin’s Gardens against Chris Boyd’s Saints, were edged 27-25 at its Ashton Gate home by relegation-threatened Worcester in round 17.
The Warriors, who lie 11th of 12 teams, won a priceless victory, helped by a try from Kiwi-born centre Ben Te’o and former Hurricanes and Auckland lock Michael Fatialofa.
The Bears fielded Siale Piutau, Chris Vui, Steven Luatua, Jake Heenan and John Afoa.
Bristol now lies ninth but is just four competition points shy of the all-important sixth place, which guarantees entry into the European Champions Cup.
This weekend, the Bears travel to La Rochelle, an equally Kiwi-laden team, to contest the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Northampton, also scrapping to reach that Premiership top six, is in fifth position after a priceless 29-15 win at Leicester, just six days after clinching the Premiership Rugby Cup.
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Ahsee Tuala, Piers Francis, Teimana Harrison and Ben Franks all featured for the Saints, while Brendon O’Connor and Mike FitzGerald turned out for the Tigers.
Six goals to Tane Takalua were vital as the Newcastle Falcons beat Sale 22-17. John Hardie and Sinoti Sinoti both started for the Falcons, while prop Logovi’i Mulipola was yellow-carded. Denny Solomona scored a try for the Sharks, while Bryn Evans was a replacement.
Exeter defeated Bath, who used Anthony Perenise and Kahn Fotuali’i as subs, 29-10.
Sean Maitland’s Saracens beat Alofa Alofa’s Harlequins 27-20.
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A Willi Heinz try helped Gloucester to a 27-14 victory over Wasps. Jason Woodward, Tom Marshall and Josh Hohneck all started for the west country club, while Brad Shields and Nathan Hughes were in the Wasps’ loose forwards.
Fresh from his exploits with Wales, Gareth Anscombe was straight back into the goals with his Cardiff Blues club in the Guinness PRO14. Playing fullback, Anscombe kicked seven goals as the Blues dispatched the Scarlets 41-17. Alongside him were Nick Williams, Rey Lee-Lo and Willis Halaholo. Johnny McNicholl and Kieron Fonotia were in the Scarlets outsides.
Tom McCartney’s Connacht defeated Treviso 29-14. The Italian club fielded Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara, Monty Ioane, Hame Faiva and Toa Halafihi.
Simon Hickey kicked a conversion as Edinburgh upset Michael Bent’s Leinster 28-11. Simon Berghan also came off the pine for the Scottish team.
The under-rated Callum Gibbins scored a try as Glasgow took out the Cheetahs 35-17. Siua Halanukonuka was a replacement for the Warriors.
Props Jordan Lay and Ma’afu Fia tasted victory as Ospreys edged the Dragons 29-20.
Rhys Marshall scored a try and Tyler Bleyendaal kicked two conversions as Munster put 31-12 on Jimmy Tuivaiti’s Zebre.
In the French Top 14, Sam Vaka, Paula Ngauamo and Tom Murday could not prevent Agen going down 28-13 at home to Clermont, whose bench included Fritz Lee and Tim Nanai-Williams.
A red card to Nemani Nadolo did not stop Montpellier winning 24-15 at Pau, for whom Colin Slade kicked two goals. Jamie Mackintosh wore the No 17 jersey.
Ziggy Fisi’ihoi scored a try for Stade Francais in the 32-16 win over Castres, whose ranks included David Smith, Maama Vaipulu, Alex Tulou and Paea Fa’anunu.
Toby Arnold scored a try and copped a yellow card as Lyon beat struggling Toulon 42-33. Rudi Wulf and Charlie Ngatai paired up in midfield. Liam Messam also received a yellow card for Toulon, while Julian Savea was back in the starting line-up, but in the No 12 jersey. Malakai Fekitoa and Brian Alainu’uese were used as subs.
Ben Volavola kicked a conversion as Racing-Metro decisively defeated Seta Tamanivalu’s Bordeaux-Begles 45-27. Ben Tameifuna and Dominic Bird also featured in the Parisians’ forward pack.
Relegation-bound Perpignan edged Grenoble 22-16. Les Catalans’ line-up included Tima Faingaanuku, Genesis Mamea, Michael Faleafa, Shahn Eru and Manu Leiataua, while Grenoble featured Lolagi Visinia, Matt Vaai, Taiasina Tuifua and Alaska Taufa.
Toulouse maintained top billing with a 23-19 win at La Rochelle. Jerome Kaino, Pita Ahki and Charlie Faumuina started for the victors, while five goals from Ihaia West was not enough for the home side. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Uini Atonio and Victor Vito also turned out for Les Rochelais.
Watch – Where did it all go wrong for Ireland:
Comments on RugbyPass
Some thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to comments