Kiwis carving up the north - Six Nations special

There were contrasting Six Nations fortunes for those Kiwis or with Kiwi blood.

Bundee Aki was again good value for Ireland, scoring a try in the 37-23 win over Wales. Gareth Anscombe entered the fray at 63 minutes for Wales, but threw the final intercept pass for Jacob Stockdale to score.

Dylan Hartley did his core tasks well in his 92nd test cap for England, while Nathan Hughes and Ben Te’o saw far less action in the 25-13 defeat by Scotland in the Calcutta Cup, Sean Maitland played well and scored a decent try on the left wing for the Scots.

Dean Budd started for Italy in the 34-17 loss to France, while Jayden Hayward made a strong impact off the bench, his searing break setting up Matteo Minozzi for a consolation try to the Azzurri.

Toulouse is one of the great clubs of Europe. Nineteen-time champions of France and crowned best in Europe on four occasions, Toulouse has known lean times of late, and could not even make it out of this season’s European Challenge Cup pool stages.

But the 45-28 victory over Brive last weekend has raised the south-west club to third on the French Top 14 log, from where it should reach the playoffs with eight rounds to run. There is help in the form of a few Kiwis: Charlie Faumuina, Carl Axtens, Joe Tekori, and replacement Jarrod Poi.

Elsewhere, Montpellier remains top after a tight 11-10 win over Bordeaux-Begles. Aaron Cruden, Nemani Nadolo and Jarrad Hoeata all played for the victors, while the speedy Ed Fidow scored a brace for the defeated side. Simon Hickey, Fa’asiu Fuatai and Ben Volavola also featured.

Tom Murday scored a try that proved crucial for Agen in the 36-34 win at Stade Francais, for whom Tony Ensor scored a try, while Paul Williams came off the bench.

Clermont’s struggles continued, losing 12-18 at home to Oyonnax. Luke McAlister kicked a goal for Les Jaunards, while Fritz Lee was at No 8. Ben Botica landed two goals for Oyonnax, while Quentin MacDonald and Hika Elliot also turned out.

Ma’a Nonu scored a try for Toulon in the 27-20 away win against La Rochelle. Tawera Kerr-Barlow scored a try for the latter, while Uini Atonio, Jason Eaton, Victor Vito and Hikairo Forbes all appeared.

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No less than 11 players with New Zealand connections played in Pau’s 24-15 victory over Racing-Metro.

Colin Slade, at first five, kicked five goals for Pau. His teammates included Tom Taylor, Daniel Ramsay, Jamie Mackintosh and Conrad Smith. The Parisians fielded Anthony Tuitavake, Joe Rokocoko, Ole Avei, Census Johnston and Ben Tameifuna. Dan Carter kicked a conversion.

David Smith and Alex Tulou enjoyed a 33-22 win over Lyon, for whom Toby Arnold scored a double and Taiasina Tuifua a single. Mike Harris kicked three goals, while Toa Halafihi started at openside flanker.

In the Guinness PRO14, Rey Lee-Lo’s Cardiff Blues edged James Tucker’s Zebre 10-7. Ma’afu Fia and Kieron Fonotia had a tight 27-26 win for Ospreys against the Cheetahs. Rodney Ah You’s Ulster crashed 34-10 to Scarlets.

Connacht, with Tom McCartney and Dominic Robertson-McCoy in the front-row, won 22-19 at Treviso. Monty Ioane scored a try for the Italians, while Marty Banks kicked two goals. Whetu Douglas, Nasi Manu and Hame Faiva all turned out too.

Jordan Lay and John Hardie played for Edinburgh in the 25-12 win over the Dragons. Tyler Bleyendaal’s four goals were key for Munster in the 21-10 victory over Siua Halanukonuka’s Glasgow. Rhys Marshall came off the bench for Munster.

James Lowe scored a try and Isa Nacewa wore the No 12 jersey in Leinster’s 64-7 crushing of the Southern Kings.

In the Aviva Premiership, Exeter Chiefs fans know they will miss Thomas Waldrom when he heads home in June. His 81st minute try helped the Chiefs to a last gasp 31-30 win over Northampton. Piers Francis kicked five goals for the Saints, while others to feature were Nafi Tuitavake, Ahsee Tuala and Teimana Harrison, who was binned.

Newcastle are working their way up the ladder with a 28-10 victory at Harlequins. Sinoti Sinoti was again in the tries, while Nili Latu copped a yellow card. Tane Takalua entered the fray off the pine. Alofa Alofa (also yellow carded) and Jono Kitto played for Quins.

Gloucester and Wasps fought to a 25-25 stalemate. Jimmy Gopperth kicked four goals for Wasps, including the last second conversion to tie it all up. Motu Matu’u, John Afoa, Josh Hohneck and Jason Woodward all turned out for the home team.

Fullback James Wilson effectively won the game for Bath with his seven goals for 18 points in the 33-23 win over Sale. Bath also fielded Kahn Fotuali’i and Jack Wilson. Denny Solomona scored a brace for the Sharks.

London Irish, with Filo Paulo, Ben Franks and James Marshall in the mix, won a vital 22-9 win over Bryce Heem’s Worcester, but it may not be enough to stave off relegation.

Telusa Veainu scored an important try as Leicester upset Saracens 28-20. In the trenches for the Tigers were Brendon O’Connor, Mike FitzGerald and Logovi’i Mulipola.