Roundup: Kiwis in Europe

Pau have pulled clear of the relegation zone in the French Top 14 and Colin Slade is central to their resurgence after a virtuoso display in a local derby with Agen.

Playing at first five, Slade scored two tries and kicked three conversions and four penalties for a haul of 28 points as Pau overcome Agen 33-26 away from home. Conrad Smith (13), Chris King (1) and Daniel Ramsay (19) also appeared for the south-western club, now lying 11th on the log.

Elsewhere, Anthony Tuitavake's Montpellier beat William Whetton's Brive 19-3. There was an upset win for Clermont, defeating Toulon 19-18 at Stade Mayol. Isaia Toeava turned out at second five for Les Jaunards, while Fritz Lee was at No 8. Tom Taylor and Ma'a Nonu combined in the five-eighths for Toulon.

Castres, who started David Smith on the wing and the seasoned Karena Wihongi at tighthead prop, won 15-9 over a Toulouse outfit that included Corey Flynn, Census Johnston and Joe Tekori in the pack, plus Luke McAlister at pivot.

La Rochelle, with Jason Eaton and Romana Graham in their starting pack, edged 2015 champions Stade Francais 21-18, who started Aled de Malmanche at loosehead prop.

Oyonnax's woes continued, losing 27-20 at home to Grenoble in a match notable for the appearance of eight Kiwis or Kiwi-origin players - Roimata Hansell-Pune, Stan Wright, Leon Power and Viliami Ma'afu for the home side, and Tino Nemani, Nigel Hunt, Sona Taumalolo and Rory Grice for Grenoble.

Joe Rokocoko ran out at centre, his usual position when he was at Bayonne, for a Dan Carter-less Racing-Metro in their 28-20 victory over Bordeaux-Begles. The latter started Peter Saili at No 8 and Hugh Chalmers on the side of the scrum.

First five Gareth Anscombe was to the fore for Cardiff Blues in the Guinness PRO12, his 18 points from a try and five goals central to the 28-22 win at Scarlets. Rey Lee-Lo was outside him at No 12.

Grayson Hart scored a try off the bench in Glasgow's 38-16 win over Treviso, while fullback Jayden Hayward kicked four goals for the vanquished.

Ulster put an 18-10 dent in Connacht's title ambitions, with Jared Payne featuring at fullback for Ulster. Bundee Aki and Tom McCartney played for Connacht.

Leinster took advantage of Connacht's faltering with a 16-13 win over Munster. Isa Nacewa (14) and Hayden Triggs (5) suited up for Leinster, while Francis Saili was at centre for Munster.

Phil Burleigh appeared in the position - second five - where he played much of his rugby in New Zealand in Edinburgh's 29-0 shutout of Zebre. Mike Coman wore the No 6 jersey.
Brendon Leonard's Ospreys defeated the Dragons of Nick Crosswell and Boris Stankovich 26-20.

In England's Aviva Premiership, Leicester hold fourth place with three rounds to play after edging Gloucester 35-30. Fullback Telusa Veainu scored a try and former Blues and Hawke's Bay flanker Brendon O'Connor returned from injury off the bench.

Jimmy Gopperth slotted three goals for Wasps in their 28-6 result over Northampton.

Siale Piutau (12), Frank Halai (11) and Nathan Hughes (8) also featured for Wasps, while the Pisi brothers and Kahn Fotuali'i started for Saints.

Sean Maitland scored a try from fullback for London Irish, while TJ Ioane underlined his impact off the bench with a try for Sale in their 30-15 at the Exiles' home base.

The star turn was Thomas Waldrom, who scored a hat-trick in Exeter's 50-12 hiding of Bryce Heem's Worcester Warriors.

Ben Botica was again among the points for Harlequins, who decisively outplayed Newcastle 46-25. Botica scored 16 points off the tee, while his opposite Mike Delany had an eventful day, kicking four goals and incurring a yellow card. Nili Latu scored a brace from blindside flanker.

This weekend will see the quarter-finals played in the two European competitions.