Saffas abroad

1 Nov 2009

Keo.co.za looks at the South Africans who have performed in Europe.

There were mixed results for the France-based Saffas. Frans Steyn reportedly played a central role in Racing Metro’s shock 27-20 win over Top 14 heavyweights Toulouse. Steyn started at outside centre, and fronted fellow South African, No 8 Shaun Sowerby.

The Pepignan trio of Gerrie Britz, Steve Meyer and Gavin Hume also tasted victory, contributing to their side’s come-from-behind 17-15 win at Castres, who had Kees Lensing on their bench.

Former WP lock Ross Skeate continues to perform well for Toulon, who have started the Top 14 campaign well, and carried on their winning form by downing Bayonne, who fielded Skeate’s one-time team-mate Rob Linde, 14-8.

In the battle of two Top 14 giants, former Lions hooker Willie Wepener came off the bench in Clermont’s 19-19 draw with Stade Francais.

In Ireland, Jean de Villiers crossed the whitewash in Munster’s comfortable 24-10 win over Ulster. In England, Bath continue to struggle without the inspirational Butch James, who is injured, and lost 12-11 to a Saffa-laden Saracens side, who top the log. Bath captain Michael Claassens once again scored in a losing cause.

On Sunday, a Marco Wentzel-led Leeds upset Wasps, flyhalf Ceiron Thomas’ boot the difference in the 15-9 triumph, while Gcobani Bobo played off the wood as Newcastle laboured to a 14-3 win against Worcester.


5 Comments

  • 1.dWeePer: Reply to this comment
    1 Nov 2009, 23:18 pm

    Saracens is surely the surprise of the season. It seems Brendon Venter is doing better than Eddie Jones.

  • 2.ali: Reply to this comment
    2 Nov 2009, 00:37 am

    ya but he’s getting booed for playing ‘boring’ rugby

  • 3.Big Hit: Reply to this comment
    2 Nov 2009, 01:04 am

    #2 ali: they were only booed in one game to be fair after some endless aerial kicking. It is fair to say they haven’t been playing attractive rugby however.

    Schalk Britz has been a revelation for Saracens, a real all-rounder who seems to make vital breaks which lead to tries like backline player.

  • 4.Ezee-23: Reply to this comment
    2 Nov 2009, 03:18 am

    Northern hemisphere rugby? No thank you.

  • 5.David: Reply to this comment
    2 Nov 2009, 07:45 am

    Frans seems to have played in a different position every week, since he’s been there. Hopefully he’s beginning to realise that as a highly paid professional he must play where his employer tells him to. This can only improve his approach to the game instead of constantly whining about which position he wants to play for the Boks. He should come back a more rounded and mature player.

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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