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Kiwis in Europe: George Moala pick of the bunch in commanding performance for Clermont
By Campbell Burnes
George Moala is proving just as hard to contain on the fields of Europe as he was in New Zealand.
The 29-year-old former All Black crossed for a brace in Clermont’s 52-26 demolition of Bath in round four Champions Cup action over the weekend. He made 12 carries for 62m and continues his strong form, this time in the No 12 jersey.
Alongside him were fellow Kiwis Isaia Toeava, Fritz Lee, Loni Uhila and Faifili Levave for Les Jaunards.
Clermont holds second spot in Pool 3 behind leader Ulster, which dispatched Harlequins 34-10, with Matt Faddes scoring a try for the Irish province. Sean Reidy was also in the starting line-up. Francis Saili turned out in the Quins’ midfield.
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Ben Volavola and Dominic Bird enjoyed a 40-27 Racing-Metro victory over Ospreys, which fielded Marty McKenzie and Ma’afu Fia.
Sean Maitland scored a try as Saracens defeated Munster 15-6.
The Toulouse trio of Pita Ahki, Jerome Kaino, back in his familiar No 6 jersey, and Joe Tekori tasted a 26-18 victory at Montpellier, which fielded Nemani Nadolo and Kahn Fotuali’i.
Connacht, with Dominic Robertson-McCoy and Bundee Aki in the ranks, defeated Josh Hohneck’s Gloucester 27-24.
Monty Ioane scored a try for Treviso in the 25-22 win over Rudi Wulf’s Lyon. Jayden Hayward, Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara and Hame Faiva all played a part in the Italian club’s victory.
Glasgow fell 12-7 at home to La Rochelle, which will be hard to take for Callum Gibbins and former Highlanders prop Aki Seiuli.
Leinster’s imperious form shows no sign of abating, James Lowe crossing for another try in the 50-21 shellacking of Northampton. Jamison Gibson-Park was used off the bench for the victors. Ahsee Tuala scored a try for Saints, while Matt Proctor also featured in the starting XV.
Exeter beat Denny Solomona’s Sale 35-10.
In the Challenge Cup, Alex Tulou scored a try in Castres’ 22-10 win over Enisei. His fellow loose forward Maama Vaipulu was yellow-carded.
Brive beat Zebre 24-10, with So’otala Fa’aso’o and Wesley Tapueluelu in the ranks. The Italians fielded former Manawatu outside back Junior Laloifi, Josh Renton and Jimmy Tuivaiti, who was binned.
A Simon Hickey penalty goal proved the difference as Edinburgh edged Wasps 8-7. Simon Berghan was a replacement prop for the Gunners. Wasps included Malakai Fekitoa and Jimmy Gopperth in the midfield, Lima Sopoaga, who kicked a conversion, and Jeff Toomaga-Allen.
Toulon’s Kiwi trio of Bryce Heem, at fullback, Julian Savea, at centre, and Liam Messam enjoyed a 26-20 away victory over London Irish, for whom Terence Hepetema was binned and Motu Matu’u entered the fray off the pine.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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