The three South African URC teams have both certified for the Champions Cup round of 16 or are on the cusp of doing so however there was plenty of drama involving United Rugby Championship teams elsewhere in a spellbinding weekend of European motion.
SA efforts raise URC in Champions Cup
While the Sharks have certified as they will’t be overtaken by the ninth-placed workforce in Pool A, and the Stormers and Bulls simply want both a bonus level or to not lose by a giant rating of their remaining pool fixture, the supporters of Ulster and the Ospreys skilled diametrically completely different feelings.
The Ospreys accomplished the double over Montpellier in an thrilling nip and tuck sport in Swansea to maneuver to the brink of what’s going to be their first qualification for the round of 16 in a while. However Ulster, needing to beat champions La Rochelle on their residence patch, suffered the agony of seeing a heroic defensive effort cancelled out off the final transfer of the sport.
Nathan Doak gave Ulster hope when he kicked a 63rd minute penalty as his workforce adjusted higher to the driving wind and rain on the Stade Marcel Deflandre in a low scoring sport. Ulster, so determined to win to maintain their hopes of qualification alive after a disastrous first two rounds within the competitors, defended tenaciously and likewise had two first half tries disallowed.
Late drama for URC aspect
But simply when it appeared their bravery could be repaid with a seismic victory away from residence in probably the most tough venues to go to, La Rochelle confirmed why they’re champions by doing what they did to Leinster in final yr’s closing in Marseille by scoring a attempt to substitute prop Joel Sclavi off the final transfer of the sport.
With the bun battle to keep away from relegation within the Top 14 maybe impacting on the performances in Europe of a few of the French teams, with a lot of them surprisingly near the underside of the log, you couldn’t fault the dedication of Racing 92, who joined La Rochelle and Toulouse within the profitable circle by kicking a final gasp penalty to beat Harlequins.
However, Montpellier’s drive to avenge their shock first round defeat to Ospreys, who just a few weeks in the past weren’t rated in both the Champions Cup or the URC (they’re at the moment thirteenth within the URC), was thwarted by an epic effort from the hosts. The two teams produced a 9 attempt thriller that was an excellent commercial for each the game and the competitors, with Montpellier crossing 5 time to Osprey’s 4 however the Welsh aspect punishing the guests for lacking kicking alternatives.
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Joy for Ospreys
Ospreys coach Toby Booth described the sport as “a magnificent spectacle” and mentioned that it was a reminder that rugby gamers have been within the leisure enterprise.
“After the game over there, we knew they would come over with a point to prove, but we just found a way to win,” mentioned Booth.
“Cai (Evans) has grabbed his opportunity as it’s been a difficult journey for him with injuries, but now he’s really thriving and fulfilling the talent he’s got.”
Evans proved to be the distinction between the workforce as he was profitable with six out of seven photographs at purpose.
“After beating them down there, we knew they would come flying out the blocks, but in the end, we managed to win,” Evans mentioned.
“Neither side could get a substantial lead, and the game went down to the wire, so I’m pleased we came out on the right side of the result.”
Another URC workforce that’s styling in the intervening time is Edinburgh, who scored an excellent win away from residence towards the French workforce, Castres, whereas Leinster continued their apparently inexorable march to the play-offs with a giant away win over Gloucester.
Weekend Heineken Champions Cup outcomes
Clermont Auvergne 29 Leicester Tigers 44
Gloucester 14 Leinster 49
Munster 27 Northampton Saints 24
Cell C Sharks 32 Bordeaux Begles 3
Stade Rochelais 7 Ulster 3
Sale Sharks 5 Toulouse 27
Vodacom Bulls 39 Exeter Chiefs 28
Ospreys 35 Montpellier 29
Saracens 48 Lyon 28
Castres 21 Edinburgh 34
London Irish 14 DHL Stormers 28
Racing ’92 30 Harlequins 29