Rugby: Kiwis in Europe - Vainikolo helps put Exeter Chiefsinto final

Fetu'u Vainikolo scores a try for the Exeter Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images

An intercept try by former Highlanders and Maungarua club wing Fetu'u Vainikolo helped his Exeter Chiefs side into the Anglo-Welsh Cup final.

Exeter beat the Leicester Tigers, featuring Brad Thorn and Jack Whetton (at blindside flanker), 30-22 in a semifinal, and will meet Saracens in this Sunday's decider after they had edged Northampton Saints 24-20 in the other semifinal. Former Steelers utility back Ahsee Tuala appeared at fullback for Saints, with former Makos and Crusaders halfback Kahn Fotuali'i at halfback.

In the French Top 14, New Zealanders were front and centre as the spotlight mostly fell on the penultimate round of the Six Nations.

Jackson Willison's try helped his Grenoble side upset Stade Francais 30-21 in Paris, Paul Williams turning out at centre and Aled de Malmanche at hooker for the vanquished.

Toulon stayed at the top of the log, on points differential, with a 22-14 win over Lyon.

No less than nine New Zealand origin players featured in this clash. David Smith scored a try for Toulon, while former All Blacks Rudi Wulf, Carl Hayman, Ali Williams and Chris Masoe also played. For Lyon, Stephen Brett kicked three penalty goals, and Toby Arnold, Kenny Lynn, and Lachie Munro featured.

First five Mike Delany kicked five crucial penalty goals as Clermont put the heat on Toulon with a 31-23 victory over Bordeaux-Begles, for whom Jayden Spence, Hugh Chalmers and Peter Saili played.

Toulouse won a critical 18-13 victory over Montpellier. Luke McAlister kicked three goals for Toulouse, while Rene Ranger was shifted to the wing for Montpellier, and former Highlanders and Southland prop Chris King came off the bench.

Bayonne, with Joe Rokocoko on the wing, kept the relegation wolves from the door with a 21-19 win over last-placed Castres. Dan Kirkpatrick was at No 12 for Castres.

A try to former Waikato and Fiji lock Dominiko Waqaniburotu aided Brive to a 36-12 crushing of Racing-Metro, while La Rochelle, who included Hikairo Forbes, Romana Graham and Jason Eaton in their pack, beat Oyonnax 35-20. Former Blues No 8 Viliami Ma'afu scored a try for Oyonnax, who have a raft of Kiwis at the club, including Piri Weepu on a short-term deal, and have punched above their weight this season to lie seventh.

The Top 14 breaks for this weekend's final round of Six Nations, but will be back in full swing, as will the Aviva Premiership and Guinness PRO12, on March 27-29.