Hacjivah Dayimani has made a strong start to life in France, starring in a victorious Top 14 debut for Racing 92, while Madosh Tambwe scored his first try for a resurgent Montpellier.
– In the second round of action over the weekend, Dayimani started at openside flank as Racing 92 bounced back from an opening-round defeat with a 33-20 victory over Clermont in Paris. The former DHL Stormers flanker clocked up 67 minutes in his first run in front of his home fans, making a strong impression.
Hacjivah Dayimani Racing 92 Debut#SaffasAbroad | #TOP14 pic.twitter.com/KjvLGIZTew
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) September 16, 2024
South African Hacjivah Dayimani had a solid #Top14 debut
He was in good form after the game too and joked about Kolisi’s departure
“Now I know there’s less competition in the loose trio for me”#R92ASM #Top14 #SaffasAbroad pic.twitter.com/9O0P2cfCON
— Illtud W. Dafydd (@IlltudDafydd) September 14, 2024
– Having made his debut for Montpellier last weekend, Madosh Tambwe scored his first try for his new team on Saturday, in a 26-7 away victory over Perpignan. The speedster transferred to Montpellier from Bordeaux, as last season’s Top 14 strugglers look to improve on their 13th-placed finish. Springbok lock Marvin Orie played the full 80 minutes for Perpignan.
Madosh Tambwe scores for MHR – @Top14OffBis pic.twitter.com/LADo0ZX7F7
— Parlez-Vous French Rugby (@RugbyVous) September 14, 2024
– Former Glenwood High star Joe Jonas marked his debut on the wing for Stade Francais with a try in a 34-31 home win over newly-promoted Vannes. Jonas, who played at high school alongside Springboks Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse, moved to France in 2020, joining Biarritz’s academy. The 23-year-old utility back joined Stade Francais this season as he targets a place in the French national team. Another South African who could play for France in the future, lock JJ van der Mescht, played off the bench for Stade after starting in the opening round.
Joe Jonas scores his first (of many) @SFParisRugby Top 14 try #SaffasAbroad pic.twitter.com/g5Rri34zPa
— Rugby Bits (@RugbyBits) September 14, 2024
– The pick of the weekend’s matches saw defending champions Toulouse claim a thrilling 35-27 win at home against La Rochelle. Dillyn Leyds was on the wing for La Rochelle, who held a 27-25 lead going into the final 20 minutes.
Photo: @racing92/Twitter