Saffas Abroad: Esterhuizen, Green inspire Quins comeback

Tyrone Green and Andre Esterhuizen both helped Harlequins produce a stunning comeback win over Bristol in the fourth round of the Premiership this past weekend.

– In a match that featured a total of 13 tries, Green and Springbok centre Esterhuizen both crossed the whitewash as Harlequins came from a 21-point deficit to claim a 52-24 victory over the Bears.

Playing at fullback, Green made a total of 147 metres from 12 carries – the most of any Harlequins player – as well as four passes, beating six defenders and one linebreak.

Esterhuizen also picked up a try assist, while making 10 carries, 11 tackles and beating two defenders.

The victory moved Harlequins to second on the Premiership table, three points behind league-leading Leicester Tigers.

Juarno Augustus made his second start for the Northampton Saints as their unbeaten run was ended in a 26-20 loss to Wasps.

The No 8 played 55 minutes and during his time on the field he made seven carries for 35m, completed all five of his tackles, beat two defenders, made one offload and picked up a try assist.

– Springbok flank Marco van Staden made his debut for Leicester Tigers as the league leaders continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 21-16 win over London Irish.

Van Staden came off the bench in the 46th minute of the match and had a solid impact, making four carries, five tackles and winning a turnover.

Leicester vice-captain Hanro Liebenberg had another superb outing at No 8, scoring a try while also contributing 13 carries for 65m, 11 tackles and seven passes.

– Springbok forward pair Daniel and Jean-Luc du Preez were also brought straight into Sale Sharks starting lineup and put in good performances in their 33-32 loss to Gloucester.

Dan started at No 8 and made 16 carries for 51m – the most of any Sale forward – six tackles, beating five defenders and contributed a try assist.

Jean-Luc was at lock and played the full match, making 11 carries, seven tackles and beating four defenders.

Also in action for Sale, were Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen, lock JP du Preez and replacements Nic Schonert (prop) and Cobus Wiese (lock).

– In the other notable game of the weekend, Springbok and former Bulls scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl returned from suspension to make his Premiership debut for Saracens in the final few minutes of their win over the Newcastle Falcons.

Premiership log

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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