Kiwis in Europe: Kiwi Toulonnais starting to fire

Total Kiwis: 76

Toulon is moving slowly up the French Top 14 standings due in no small part to the New Zealand influence.

The red and blacks defeated Agen 32-3, with No 8 Liam Messam scoring a try. Centre Malakai Fekitoa, just hours after revealing he still harbours All Blacks aspirations, scored one himself and set up wing Josua Tuisova with an exquisite pass. Julian Savea was on the left wing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuPO8GqEV_M

This was Toulon’s second win out of five matches in a difficult start to the 2018-19 season, and the club now lies 11th.

Nemani Nadolo scored a brace in Montpellier’s crushing 66-15 win over a Toulouse side that included Pita Ahki, Carl Axtens and Joe Tekori.

Ziggy Fisi’ihoi’s Stade Francais beat Pau 25-13. Colin Slade, Benson Stanley, Daniel Ramsay and Tom Taylor appeared for the latter.

Bordeaux-Begles beat Clermont 23-19, with Isaia Toeava, Fritz Lee, George Moala and Loni Uhila turning out for Les Jaunards.

Grenoble – with Steven Setephano, Alaska Taufa and Lolagi Visinia in the ranks – won an important 31-22 win over a Perpignan outfit that included Michael Faleafa and Shahn Eru.

Ihaia West slotted three goals for La Rochelle in the 30-13 victory over Lyon. Alongside West were Uini Atonio, Victor Vito, Tawera Kerr Barlow and Hikairo Forbes. Charlie Ngatai scored a late try for Lyon, while Toby Arnold entered off the bench.

Racing-Metro defeated Castres 27-11, with Alex Tulou copping a yellow card for the south-western club. Dominic Bird made his debut for the Parisians, while Ben Volavola, Joe Rokocoko, Ole Avei and Ben Tameifuna also featured.

In the Guinness PRO14, Ma’afu Fia’s Ospreys beat Monty Ioane’s Treviso 27-10, while Callum Gibbins’ Glasgow Warriors lost 28-38 to the Southern Kings. Sean Reidy’s Ulster scored a late converted try to force a 39-all draw at the Cheetahs’ home.

Gareth Anscombe had a good outing for his Cardiff Blues, which beat Munster 37-13. Anscombe kicked seven goals for 17 points, while Nick Williams and Willis Halaholo scored tries.

James Lowe scored a try for Leinster in the 31-7 defeat of Simon Berghan and Simon Hickey’s Edinburgh. Jamison Gibson-Park and Michael Bent also played for the Irish province.

Brandon Nansen’s Dragons beat Zebre 16-5. Loose forward Jimmy Tuivaiti powered through the work for the Italian club, making 17 tackles.

Bundee Aki played strongly, setting up a try in Connacht’s 33-20 win over Scarlets. Tom McCartney and Dominic Robertson-McCoy came off the bench for the victors, while Blade Thomson, Hadleigh Parkes and Johnny McNicholl – the latter whom scored a try – turned out for Wayne Pivac’s charges.

In the Gallagher Premiership, Bryce Heem’s Worcester won a vital 44-37 result at Leicester. Sean Maitland crossed the tryline in Saracens’ 38-15 defeat of Gloucester.

Bristol and its six Kiwis tasted a 20-13 win over Harlequins. Siale Piutau, Alapati Leiua, John Afoa, Chris Vui, Steven Luatua and Jack Lam all played for the Bears.

Todd Blackadder got one over Chris Boyd as Bath edged Northampton 17-15. Anthony Perenise and Jackson Willison played for the west country club, while Ahsee Tuala, Piers Francis, Dylan Hartley, Ben Franks and Teimana Harrison turned out for the Saints.

A try to Nathan Hughes and five goals to Lima Sopoaga helped Wasps to a 31-13 at Sale, for whom Bryn Evans and Denny Solomona played. Exeter defeated Newcastle 24-17, with Tane Takalua and Logovi’i Mulipola turning out for the Falcons.

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