Kiwis carving up the north: Champions Cup round two

While the All Blacks may have gone down to the Wallabies over the weekend, New Zealanders still had a few reasons to smile after another round of European action. Here’s a look at the top performers:

Nick Williams, Cardiff Blues

The big number eight opened the scoring for his Cardiff side, and it proved to a be a pretty important try as they went on to beat State Toulousain 17-15 in their European Champions Cup match. Williams used to ply his trade for the Auckland-based Blues back in the day and wasn’t far off making the All Blacks, before leaving to play for Ulster and Munster and ending up in Cardiff.

Telusa Veainu, Leicester Tigers

The former NZ under-20’s fullback was the star of the show at Welford Road, scoring a hat trick as the Tigers demolished Castres Olympique 54-29 in Champions Cup action. He also picked up 92 metres running off 11 carries. Veainu will mostly be remembered by NZ fans for his time at the Crusaders and Highlanders, as well as turning out at test level for Tonga. Former Hurricanes and Blues wing David Smith did his best for the losing side, running 92 metres off 18 carries.

Ma’a Nonu, Toulon

A man who needs no introduction made his 104-test cap experience count in Toulon’s 30-29 win over Benetton in the Champions Cup. His try assist, plus a haul of 20 points from the boot of Francois Trinh-Duc, proved to be the difference in what might have been a massive upset loss to the Italian side. Nonu clearly is enjoying his time at Toulon, and has been helped with the addition of league convert Semi Radradra outside him on the wing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVlYON9RnDY

Peter Saili, Pau

Kiwi-laden Pau managed a great escape against Italian opposition too, this time against Zebre in the Challenge Cup. They triumphed 38-33 in Parma, thanks in part to a try to former Auckland and Blues number right Saili, scored in the 53rd minute. Pau can also boast former All Blacks Conrad Smith, Colin Slade, Jamie Mackintosh and Tom Taylor in their ranks, as well as Maori All Black Daniel Ramsay.

Victor Vito, La Rochelle

Another former All Black and Top 14 Player of the Year had a big game for La Rochelle, scoring a try, making nine tackles and running for 66 metres off 13 carries. Vito has been the epitome of the term ‘good investment’ for La Rochelle, helping them climb to the upper ranks of the Top 14 and bringing a strong work ethic. Fellow former All Black lock Jason Eaton also managed to get on the scoresheet in their 41-17 thrashing of Ulster in the Champions Cup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Az9d-fJt4