Kiwis carving up the north: Pau need only NZers to beat Clermont

Former All Blacks supplied all the points for Pau as the south-western French club edged Clermont 22-21 in Top 14 action over the Christmas period.

Second five Benson Stanley scored Pau’s sole try, while first five Colin Slade kicked a conversion, two penalty goals and a pot. Tom Taylor slotted two penalty goals off the bench. Conrad Smith, now 36, and Daniel Ramsay also featured for Pau.

Isaia Toeava, again operating in the No 10 jersey, scored a try for Clermont.

The Stade Francais debut of former North Harbour lock/loose forward Brandon Nansen was not a winning one, as the Parisians, with Tony Ensor and Ziggy Fisi’ihoi alongside him, fell 28-6 to a Castres outfit which included David Smith, Alex Tulou and Maama Vaipulu.

Racing-Metro, with Anthony Tuitavake, Ben Tameifuna and Joe Rokocoko in the mix, beat Toulouse, who fielded Joe Tekori and Charlie Faumuina off the pine, 23-19.

Vern Cotter’s Montpellier, devoid of any Kiwis, went top of the log after dispatching Lyon 38-17. The latter fielded a clutch of Kiwis, or those who have played in New Zealand, including Toby Arnold, Rudi Wulf, Mike Harris, who kicked a goal, Toa Halafihi and Josh Bekhuis, who copped a yellow card. Off the bench came South African-born prop Albertus Buckle, who had a season with Wairarapa-Bush in the 2006 Heartland Championship.

Toulon opened up Oyonnax to the tune of 49-25. Malakai Fekitoa, at second five, did not trouble the scorers, but replacement Ma’a Nonu did score a try, as did Alby Mathewson, who seems to be making a habit of racking up five-pointers.

For Oyonnax, Ben Botica scored a try and slotted four goals, while Roimata Hansell-Pune, Rory Grice and Quentin MacDonald all featured for the vanquished.

Tom Murday and George Tilsley tasted a 27-13 victory with Agen over Brive.

La Rochelle lost its Top 14 lead, going down 29-19 at Bordeaux-Begles. Rene Ranger, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Uini Atonio and Victor Vito will all be chastened by the loss.

In the PRO14, Scarlets scrapped to a 12-9 win over Ma’afu Fia’s Ospreys. Johnny McNicholl (14) and Hadleigh Parkes (13) were in the Scarlets’ threequarters.

James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park enjoyed a 34-24 away win for Leinster over arch-rivals Munster.

Rey Lee-Lo scored one of Cardiff Blues’ tries in their 22-17 victory over Dragons, while Gareth Anscombe kicked three goals. Nick Williams was at No 8.

Bundee Aki’s strong form continued, scoring an early try and receiving a standing ovation from his home ground when he departed in Connacht’s 44-16 shellacking of Sean Reidy’s Ulster. Tom McCartney and Naulia Dawai were both used off the bench by Connacht.

Former Blues, NZU and Waikato hooker Hame Faiva, who should have gained a Super Rugby contract, scored a try and a sinbinning in Treviso’s 27-14 win over fellow Italian club Zebre. Lock Dean Budd also saw yellow, while Marty Banks landed two goals from the pivot position. Jayden Hayward, Monty Ioane and Whetu Douglas rounded out the big Kiwi contingent at John Kirwan’s old club.

Edinburgh, despite a red card to prop Simon Berghan for dangerous play in the ruck, handed a rare 18-17 defeat to Dave Rennie’s Glasgow Warriors. Phil Burleigh was at No 12 for Edinburgh, while Siua Halanukonuka came off the bench for the Warriors.

In the Aviva Premiership, Worcester, with Bryce Heem and Jackson Willison in the starting XV, beat London Irish 23-8. James Marshall, Filo Paulo, Mike Coman and Asaeli Tikoirotuma all played for the Exiles.

Two penalty goals by Tane Takalua turned out to be crucial for Newcastle, the Falcons, who also fielded Sinoti Sinoti and Nili Latu, winning 11-10 over Harlequins. Former Bay of Plenty halfback Jono Kitto, formerly of Leicester Tigers, started for Quins.

Thomas Waldrom scored a try off the bench as his Exeter Chiefs dispatched Northampton 35-14. Right wing Ahsee Tuala finished off a nice movement for Saints, while Piers Francis slotted two goals.

Bryn Evans’ Sale Sharks did a 32-9 number on Bath, who started Jack Wilson, Kahn Fotuali’i and Paul Grant.

A Kiwi-less Wasps hammered Gloucester 49-24, despite tries to Tom Marshall and Willi Heinz for the cherry and whites.

Sean Maitland’s Saracens beat Mike FitzGerald’s Leicester 29-17.