Kiwis carving up the north

While there was an election back home over the weekend, New Zealanders still made an impact in the Aviva Premiership, Pro14 and Top 14.

Here’s a look at some of the top performers:

Jason Woodward, Gloucester

The former Hurricane and Rebels fullback has slotted in nicely at Kingsholm, with another good display in a 24-19 win over Worcester. Woody managed an impressive stat line of 79 metres run with three clean breaks, and had a try assist for good measure. He also managed 11 tackles on defence.

It’s a good sign for England coach Eddie Jones, who has signalled his intent for higher honours for Woodward by calling him into a wider training squad for the national team. Woodward is eligible for England through parentage – plus the fact that he’s never represented NZ before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzX522IZ5oE

Charles Piutau, Ulster

Piutau, who famously chose the lure of the coin over the All Black jersey, continued to push a good case for making the right decision with a good shift in a high scoring match against the Dragons. He ran 85m and made two clean breaks in the 52-25 win.

Paul Grant, Bath

A man who once held aloft the Ranfurly Shield as Otago captain is now plying his trade at Bath, and had a massive game in their 33-32 loss to Newcastle over the weekend. The number eight carried the ball 16 times for 140 metres, as well as making 11 tackles. Bath is Grant’s third top club since leaving NZ in 2013, having been with Montpellier and Leicester as well.

Simon Hickey, Bordeaux-Begles

Boy, could Auckland do with this guy right now. While his former province languishes in the Mitre 10 Cup, the pint-sized fly half is clearly enjoying his time at Bordeaux Begles. He scored 27 points in their 47-17 trouncing of Montpellier on the weekend, including a try, five conversions and four penalties. He also made nine tackles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKrCLSfxnzk