Kiwis in Europe: George Moala pick of the bunch in commanding performance for Clermont
George Moala is proving just as hard to contain on the fields of Europe as he was in New Zealand.
The 29-year-old former All Black crossed for a brace in Clermont’s 52-26 demolition of Bath in round four Champions Cup action over the weekend. He made 12 carries for 62m and continues his strong form, this time in the No 12 jersey.
Alongside him were fellow Kiwis Isaia Toeava, Fritz Lee, Loni Uhila and Faifili Levave for Les Jaunards.
Clermont holds second spot in Pool 3 behind leader Ulster, which dispatched Harlequins 34-10, with Matt Faddes scoring a try for the Irish province. Sean Reidy was also in the starting line-up. Francis Saili turned out in the Quins’ midfield.
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Ben Volavola and Dominic Bird enjoyed a 40-27 Racing-Metro victory over Ospreys, which fielded Marty McKenzie and Ma’afu Fia.
Sean Maitland scored a try as Saracens defeated Munster 15-6.
The Toulouse trio of Pita Ahki, Jerome Kaino, back in his familiar No 6 jersey, and Joe Tekori tasted a 26-18 victory at Montpellier, which fielded Nemani Nadolo and Kahn Fotuali’i.
Connacht, with Dominic Robertson-McCoy and Bundee Aki in the ranks, defeated Josh Hohneck’s Gloucester 27-24.
Monty Ioane scored a try for Treviso in the 25-22 win over Rudi Wulf’s Lyon. Jayden Hayward, Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara and Hame Faiva all played a part in the Italian club’s victory.
Oh, it's on…https://t.co/BIt3ltHCL6
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 15, 2019
Glasgow fell 12-7 at home to La Rochelle, which will be hard to take for Callum Gibbins and former Highlanders prop Aki Seiuli.
Leinster’s imperious form shows no sign of abating, James Lowe crossing for another try in the 50-21 shellacking of Northampton. Jamison Gibson-Park was used off the bench for the victors. Ahsee Tuala scored a try for Saints, while Matt Proctor also featured in the starting XV.
Exeter beat Denny Solomona’s Sale 35-10.
In the Challenge Cup, Alex Tulou scored a try in Castres’ 22-10 win over Enisei. His fellow loose forward Maama Vaipulu was yellow-carded.
Brive beat Zebre 24-10, with So’otala Fa’aso’o and Wesley Tapueluelu in the ranks. The Italians fielded former Manawatu outside back Junior Laloifi, Josh Renton and Jimmy Tuivaiti, who was binned.
A Simon Hickey penalty goal proved the difference as Edinburgh edged Wasps 8-7. Simon Berghan was a replacement prop for the Gunners. Wasps included Malakai Fekitoa and Jimmy Gopperth in the midfield, Lima Sopoaga, who kicked a conversion, and Jeff Toomaga-Allen.
Toulon’s Kiwi trio of Bryce Heem, at fullback, Julian Savea, at centre, and Liam Messam enjoyed a 26-20 away victory over London Irish, for whom Terence Hepetema was binned and Motu Matu’u entered the fray off the pine.
Telusa Veainu and Jordan Taufua were in the Leicester squad that beat Samuela Vunisa’s Calvisano 20-13.
Ben Botica slotted three goals as Bordeaux-Begles defeated Agen 33-6. Seta Tamanivalu was used in the No 12 jersey for Bordeaux.
Tom Taylor also kicked three goals for Pau in the 34-29 win over Cardiff Blues. New signings Ben Smith and Luke Whitelock, plus Ziggy Fisi’ihoi, were alongside him for the French club. Rey Lee-Lo and Filo Paulo turned out for the Blues.
Bristol’s Kiwi contingent of Alapati Leiua, Chris Vui, Jake Heenan and Nathan Hughes scored a tight 18-16 win at Stade Francais.
Brad Mooar, who is working through whether he can join the All Blacks coaching group in June, enjoyed another good victory with his Scarlets club, this time 46-5 over Bayonne. Locks Sam Lousi and Danny Drake featured. Bayonne fielded Alofa Alofa and Census Johnston.
Round five of the Champions and Challenge Cups takes place on January 10-12. Domestic competitions resume this weekend.
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
9 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
9 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
9 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
9 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments