Clermont won an early top-of-the-table clash with Stade Francais, while there were also Top 14 victories for Racing 92, Toulouse and Lyon.
Pro14 champions Leinster were defeated by last season's runners-up Scarlets in a tense clash on Saturday.
Danny Cipriani inspired Gloucester's comeback as a former Bath player denied the hosts victory at the Rec on Saturday.
Despite the late withdrawals of Adam Coleman and Israel Folau, Australia secured a hard-fought 23-18 victory over South Africa.
Argentina were beaten by New Zealand in Nelson but Agustin Creevy was encouraged by a competitive performance.
New Zealand's battling victory against Argentina has come at the cost of injuries to Ngani Laumape and Brodie Retallick.
Though New Zealand ran out 46-24 winners over Argentina, the All Blacks' victory was far from a convincing one.
John Cooney kicked a last-gasp penalty for the second successive week as Ulster left it late to beat Pro14 rivals Edinburgh.
Dan Biggar kicked 17 points and Dylan Hartley came off the bench to score a try as Northampton Saints edged out Harlequins.
Flanker Brad Shields will start his first Premiership game on Saturday when Wasps host last season's beaten finalists Exeter Chiefs.
Will Genia has revealed Quade Cooper could soon join him at the Rebels, with head coach David Wessels interested in the fly-half.
A neck injury saw David Pocock ruled out of Australia's clash against South Africa.
SuperSport have confirmed that Ashwin Willemse will not be returning to air, as his contract with the company has expired. It has now been...
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Argentina have made four changes for their Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand.
Ahead of the Rugby Championship clash between South Africa and Australia, Rassie Erasmus has sprung some surprises with his Springboks team.
Australia coach Michael Cheika dropped playmaker Bernard Foley to the bench for the Wallabies' clash with South Africa.