There were contrasting fortunes for South Africans in the Top 14 playoffs, as Siya Kolisi’s Racing 92 were knocked out, while Dillyn Leyds helped La Rochelle progress to the semi-finals.

Top 14
– Former Vodacom Bulls wing Madosh Tambwe scored a try to help send Bordeaux Begles to the Top 14 semi-finals with a 31-17 home playoff win against Racing 92. Tambwe dotted down for the opening try of the match in the 20th minute to send Bordeaux on their way to a semi-final match against 14-time winners Stade Francais. Tristan Tedder kicked four first-half penalties to keep Racing in the match, with Siya Kolisi enduring a trophyless first season in France, while Trevor Nyakane‘s time with the club ended on a disappointing note.

– La Rochelle claimed just their second away win of the season, running in four tries to defeat hosts Toulon 34-29 and set up a semi-final clash with Toulouse. Dillyn Leyds was on hand to finish off a spectacular move from La Rochelle, scoring his seventh try of the season.

– A trio of Springboks helped billionaire-backed Montpellier retain their Top 14 status in a nailbiting 20-18 promotion-relegation win against Grenoble. Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, centre Jan Serfontein and loose forward Nico Janse van Rensburg all started for Montpellier, who finished second-from-bottom in the Top 14.

Photo: OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP

The post Saffas Abroad: Tambwe ends Kolisi’s French race appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Src: sarugbymag.co.za