Siya Kolisi shines for Racing 92 as Springboks star abroad

Kolisi joined the side from the Durban-based Sharks after the 2023 World Cup, having led South Africa to their fourth title, and is quickly making a name for himself in Paris - particularly after Saturday's superb performance, which also saw him score his first try.

Kolisi - joined in the starting line-up by Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane - was a driving force in Racing 92's victory as the Parisian side snuck into the Champions Cup play-offs with a late rally.

Racing were put on the back foot early on in the match after Rhys Carre's try as they trailed 7-3 but quickly hit back after South African full-back Tristan Tedder's brilliant cross-kick sat up perfectly for Kitione Kamikamica to score.

It was then Kolisi's turn to make his mark as Racing went through the phases inside the Cardiff 22. The hard-working flanker played a prominent role in the build-up, clearing out rucks, and when he received the ball just five metres from the line, there was only one outcome as he powered forward into two tacklers and dotted the ball down for his first try.

That was not his only try involvement in the match as he showed off his softer skills soon after to send Inia Tabuavou over for his side's third score.

Overall, it was a fine outing for Kolisi, who also made all eight of his attempted tackles against Cardiff and gained 30 metres from his seven carries. He also effected a match-high three turnovers.

Other Springboks to star over the weekend included midfield maestro Andre Esterhuizen, who scored his sixth try of the season in Harlequins' 47-19 triumph over Ulster.

Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese were in the Leicester Tigers side that got outplayed by Jacques Nienaber's Leinster at Welford Road, with the Irish outfit winning 27-10, although the Tigers still qualified for the Champions Cup last 16.

Meanwhile, Thomas du Toit scored an incredible seventh try of the season for his new club Bath, who nevertheless went down 31-19 to Toulouse in an epic encounter but also made it safely through to the Champions Cup playoffs.

Over in Japan, Cheslin Kolbe's Suntory Sungoliath came from 29-0 down to beat Mitsubishi Dynaboars 36-34 in a crazy encounter, while Bok lock Lood de Jager, who scored on his return from a six-month injury lay-off a week ago, made it two tries in two weeks as he helped the Wild Knights demolish Honda Heat 70-12. Also getting on the scoresheet for the Wild Knights was Damian de Allende.