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Kiwis in Europe: Owen Franks and Matt Proctor start on right foot in Champions Cup
By Campbell Burnes
Owen Franks and Matt Proctor have made winning starts to their Northampton Saints’ careers.
The pair of former All Blacks entered the fray off the bench at Franklin’s Gardens as Chris Boyd’s Saints defeated Lyon 25-14 in the opening round of the European Champions Cup.
Franks’ last outing was in Canterbury’s October 19 semifinal defeat to Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership, while Proctor missed the entire competition due to injury rehab.
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Also coming off the pine for Saints were former Steeler Ahsee Tuala, while Piers Francis and Teimana Harrison, who was yellow-carded, both ran out in the starting XV. Charlie Ngatai, in the No 12 jersey, was the sole Kiwi involved for Lyon.
Former Auckland and Blues hooker Tom McCartney scored a vital try as Connacht edged Montpellier 23-20. Also starting for the Irish province were prop Dominic Robertson-McCoy and centre Bundee Aki. Aaron Cruden, Chiefs-bound after Christmas, scored a try for the French club.
Ben Volavola and Dominic Bird were replacements as Racing-Metro beat Sean Maitland’s defending champion Saracens 30-10 to cap a turbulent few weeks for the north London club.
Toulouse won 25-20 at Gloucester, with lock Joe Tekori making Alex Shaw’s Champions Cup XV of the week for his powerful ball-carrying, which Manu Samoa could have used at Rugby World Cup. Charlie Faumuina and Jerome Kaino were alongside him in the pack.
Gloucester fielded Jason Woodward, Tom Marshall and Josh Hohneck.
Tyler Bleyendaal kicked five goals as Munster defeated Ma’afu Fia’s Ospreys 32-13. Former All Blacks halfback Alby Mathewson was a sub for Munster.
Clermont hammered Harlequins 53-21, with the midfield combination of Isaia Toeava and George Moala, who both scored tries, in fine fettle. Fritz Lee and Loni Uhila also featured.
Francis Saili wore the No 12 jersey for Quins.
Leinster, which fielded James Lowe, Michael Bent and Jamison Gibson-Park, beat Treviso 33-19. Hame Faiva and Dean Budd scored tries for the Italians, while Nasi Manu, Jayden Hayward and Toa Halafihi all played a part in the game.
La Rochelle, with Ihaia West and Victor Vito in the ranks, fell 12-31 to the Exeter Chiefs.
Callum Gibbins’ Glasgow beat Bryn Evans’ Sale 13-7.
Sean Reidy’s Ulster edged Bath 17-16.
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Latest Comments
Think it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
Go to commentsJust came back from the game and the atmosphere was amazing. Players stayed afterwards for more than a hour to sign stuff and take photos with fans. Great day out.
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