David Smith sent a timely reminder of his class with an impressive quartet of tries for Toulon in their 34-11 win over Brive in French Top 14 action over the weekend.
The former Auckland and Blues wing, who looked odds-on to be an All Black with his exploits in 2006,has been relatively quiet on the tryscoring front for the defending champions of late.
He was one of several players to the fore in Europe who once plied their trade in New Zealand rugby. Relegation-threatened Castres will thank former All Blacks prop Saimone Taumoepeau for his try in their 23-20 over Lyon, for whom former Bay of Plenty wing and NZ Sevens rep Toby Arnold scored a try and Stephen Brett slotted three goals.
A try to Hikairo Forbes helped La Rochelle to a 15-all stalemate with Montpellier, who had Blues and North Harbour-bound Rene Ranger at centre. Clermont, with Zac Guildford back on the left wing, beat Bayonne 28-16. Oyonnax, with no less than five of New Zealand rugby origin in their ranks, lowered Toulouse 9-3, who also had five New Zealanders in their squad. Oyonnax move up to fifth on the log. Former New Zealand Under 20s hooker Paul Ngauamo came off the bench for the winners.
In the Guinness PRO12, the battle of the New Zealand No 8s went the way of Nick Crosswell's Dragons, 26-22 over Nick Williams' Ulster. Former NZ Universities outside back Nick McLennan came off the bench in Edinburgh's 28-9 win over Treviso.
Cardiff Blues' Gareth Anscombe won bragging rights over some of his old teammates in an 18-17 win over Pat Lam's Connacht, which included Mils Muliaina at fullback and Jake Heenan at flanker, the latter scoring a try.
Scarlets defeated Leinster 23-13 with Regan King and Hadleigh Parkes in the backline. In the Aviva Premiership, Exeter Chiefs have moved up to second after dispatching hapless London Welsh 74-19, No 8 Thomas Waldrom scoring a double.
Newcastle Falcons put heat on Leicester before falling 16-12. Former Tonga, Blues and Northland halfback Sonatane Takalua came off the pine for Newcastle. Nick Evans' six goals were vital to Harlequins' 26-20 victory over London Irish, while Gloucester and Northampton battled to a 33-all draw. Fullback James Wilson continued his fine form for Saints, scoring two tries, though copping a yellow card.
