Cobus Reinach scored an incredible solo try to help Montpellier secure a major upset against Siya Kolisi’s Racing 92, while a Springbok battle took place in Japan.
Top 14
– Veteran scrumhalf Rory Kockott scored a try and was yellow carded as Stade Francais came from behind to beat Perpignan 32-19 and continue their run on top of the table. Kockott dotted down in the 75th minute to bring up Stade’s bonus point after he was sent to the sin bin for a cynical foul just before half time. Centre Jeremy Ward was also yellow carded, for an intentional knock down in the final minute of play.
– Cobus Reinach was among the try-scorers as struggling Montpellier roared back to life to thrash title challengers Racing 92 in a bonus-point victory. Reinach grabbed a try just after half time and was joined on the scoresheet by fellow Springbok Nico Janse van Rensburg in a 44-20 victory. The win saw Montpellier climb off the bottom of the table and go to within one point of escaping the relegation zone. Siya Kolisi returned to action for Racing after a short break, while flyhalf Tristan Tedder kicked two penalties and two conversions for the Parisians, who dropped down to fourth.
Cobus Reinach scores his second Top 14 try of the season.
The real winner here, though, is that mullet.#SaffasAbroad — @c_reinach pic.twitter.com/cJgcxnDHzi
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) February 18, 2024
– Bordeaux suffered a setback in the race to finish top of the table, after a 20-10 home loss to mid-table Pau. Madosh Tambwe started for Bordeaux, who trail the top two sides by five points.
Japan League One
– Toyota Verblitz piled more misery onto winless Honda Heat and climbed four places into the semi-final spots with a 54-7 victory, in one of two League One games played over the weekend. Pieter-Steph du Toit started at No 8 for Verblitz, while Franco Mostert was at lock for the Heat.
– Unbeaten Wild Knights had to fight hard to claim a 24-20 win against Suntory Sungoliath and extend their lead at the top of the table to six points. Damian de Allende and Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) faced off against Springbok teammate Cheslin Kolbe, who was at fullback for Suntory.
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