Kiwis in Europe roundup

Former Crusaders Johnny McNicholl and Kieron Fonotia have made winning starts with their new Welsh clubs in the Guinness PRO12. Photo / Thinkstock.

Former Crusaders Johnny McNicholl and Kieron Fonotia have made winning starts with their new Welsh clubs in the Guinness PRO12.

McNicholl scored a try from the right wing as his Scarlets beat Leinster 38-29. Hadleigh Parkes was at second five for the Scarlets.

Fullback Isa Nacewa kicked four goals for Leinster, whose side also included halfback Jamison Gibson-Park and tighthead prop Michael Bent.

Fonotia was at centre as Ospreys tipped over Glasgow Warriors 22-5 for their first win at Scotstoun. His teammates included Ma'afu Fia and Brendon Leonard.

The Warriors fielded Grayson Hart (9) and Corey Flynn (2), while former Waikato lock Brian Alainu'uese was red-carded early in the second stanza for what was variously described as "dangerously entering a ruck" or a "reckless cleanout."

Defending champs Connacht won a vital match to lift them to eighth on the table after a dusty start to the season.

Centre Bundee Aki scored a try in the 18-7 win over Cardiff Blues. Connacht put out wing Stacey Ili, flankers Jake Heenan and Nepia Fox-Matamua, and hooker Tom McCartney.

The Blues fielded Rey Lee-Lo and Willis Halaholo in midfield and Jarrad Hoeata at lock.

Tyler Bleyendaal kicked four goals as leaders Munster dispatched Treviso 46-3. Rhys Marshall was at hooker for the victors, while Jayden Hayward and Michael Tagicakibau were in the back three for the Italian club.

Nick Crosswell's Dragons beat Edinburgh - for whom Nasi Manu scored a try from No 8 - 27-19, while the Ulster-Zebre fixture was postponed due to a frozen pitch in Belfast.

In the Aviva Premiership, former Wellington, Hurricanes and Rebels utility back Jason Woodward received a yellow card in his first outing, at centre, for Bristol, who were close to their first win of 2016-17, but eventually ceded 21-16 to Mike FitzGerald's Leicester Tigers.

Newcastle Falcons defeated Michael Paterson's Northampton Saints 22-16.

Nick Evans' Harlequins won narrowly, 21-10, over Dan Bowden's Bath, while No 8 Thomas Waldrom scored another try in Exeter's 57-22 hiding of Bryce Heem's Worcester.

Jackson Willison, whose cousin Tenika should make her debut for the Black Ferns Sevens in Dubai this weekend, came off the bench for the Warriors.

Leaders Saracens beat Gloucester 24-20, John Afoa copping a yellow card for the latter.

Two tries to Sale Sharks lock Bryn Evans was not quite enough to see his club home at Wasps, who won 34-24, Jimmy Gopperth, at second five, slotting four goals. Sam Tuitupou and TJ Ioane started alongside Evans, the former All Blacks second rower.

There was no play in the French Top 14 as the focus fell on the All Blacks-France test in Paris.