There were contrasting fortunes for the South Africans contesting the Top 14 playoffs, as Siya Kolisi’s Racing 92 were knocked out, while Dillyn Leyds helped La Rochelle progress to the semi-finals.
Top 14
– Former Vodacom Bulls wing Madosh Tambwe scored a try to help send Bordeaux Begles to the Top 14 semi-finals with a 31-17 home playoff win against Racing 92. Tambwe dotted down for the opening try of the match in the 20th minute to send Bordeaux on their way to a semi-final against 14-time winners Stade Francais. Tristan Tedder kicked four first-half penalties to keep Racing in the match, but Siya Kolisi was consigned to a trophyless first season in France, while Trevor Nyakane‘s time with the club ended on a disappointing note.
Es un caballo Madosh Tambwe. pic.twitter.com/ziqj9jsyeP
— Periodismo Rugby (@Perrugby) June 16, 2024
– La Rochelle claimed just their second away win of the season, running in four tries to defeat hosts Toulon 34-29 and set up a semi-final clash with Toulouse. Dillyn Leyds was on hand to finish off a spectacular move from La Rochelle, scoring his seventh try of the season.
LA CONTRE-ATTAQUE ROCHELAISE 💥
Avec cet essai de Dillyn Leyds le @staderochelais reprend l’avantage à la demi-heure de jeu 🔥
#RCTSR pic.twitter.com/986rrBhKVG— CANAL+ (@canalplus) June 15, 2024
– A trio of Springboks helped billionaire-backed Montpellier retain their Top 14 status in a nailbiting 20-18 promotion-relegation win against Grenoble. Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, centre Jan Serfontein and loose forward Nico Janse van Rensburg all started for Montpellier, who finished second-from-bottom in the Top 14.
Photo: OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP