Rugby: Local heroes carving it up overseas

Luke McAlister, who turns out for Toulouse, is one of many Kiwis playing professionally in Europe. Photo / David Rogers

New Zealand contingent make a strong showing in France and England’s major professional competitions.

While much of the rugby media attention in Europe at the weekend fell on convert Sam Burgess' first try for Bath, New Zealanders were quietly and often effectively going about their work in the big professional competitions.

A try to former All Black Joe Rokocoko, still playing at centre, was decisive in seeing his French Top 14 club Bayonne home 23-22 over Stephen Brett and Kenny Lynn's Lyon.

Toulouse's Luke McAlister kicked four goals in his side's 29-26 victory over a La Rochelle outfit that contained former Waikato and Hawkes Bay hooker Hikairo Forbes, former Canterbury rep Hamish Gard and former All Blacks lock Jason Eaton, who scored a try.

Stade Francais, with Manu Samoa and former Tasman prop Zak Taulafo coming off the bench, dispatched Castres 49-13. For the vanquished, William Whetton was at No 8, 22 years after his father Gary won the coveted Bouclier de Brennus with Castres, while prop Paea Fa'anunu, first five Daniel Kirkpatrick and former All Black Saimone Taumoepeau also appeared.

Oyonnax, with second five Roimata Hansell-Pune and No 8 Viliami Ma'afu in the ranks, upset Jake White's Montpellier - featuring Anthony Tuitavake, Rene Ranger and Tom Donnelly - 20-13. Toulon's pack counted the departing Carl Hayman, Ali Williams and Chris Masoe in their 32-23 win over Racing-Metro.

In England's Aviva Premiership, Sale Sharks captain Daniel Braid, playing at blindside flanker, scored a try as the Sharks beat the Northampton Saints 20-7. In the midfield for the Sharks were Sam Tuitupou and Johnny Leota, while new signing, loose forward TJ Ioane, had his first outing off the bench.

Alapati Leiua and former Auckland loose forward Nathan Hughes scored tries for Wasps, but to no avail as they went down 39-26 to Bath.

A try to former Manu Samoa, Wellington and Hawkes Bay wing Sinoti Sinoti helped his Newcastle Falcons defeat winless London Welsh 38-7, for whom Piri Weepu played at No 10.

Former North Harbour first five Ben Botica's four goals were key to Harlequins' 32-12 result over Leicester.

In the Guinness PRO12, first five Jimmy Gopperth scored a try and kicked a conversion in Leinster's 22-13 win over Mark Hammett's Cardiff Blues.

Not helping matters for Cardiff was a red card to Jarrad Hoeata for a dangerous tackle on Leinster fullback Rob Kearney.

Gareth Anscombe slotted three goals for Cardiff, who have signed Steelers and Hurricanes midfielder Rey Lee-Lo once Super Rugby is done for 2015.

Scarlets' new signing Hadleigh Parkes turned out on the wing in the 22-7 loss to Glasgow.

In Treviso's 20-24 reversal to Ulster, former Waikato No 10 Sam Christie scored a try, while former Taranaki and Western Force utility Jayden Hayward kicked four goals.

Former Blues and Northland loosie Dean Budd played at No 8 for Treviso.

The stakes ramp up considerably this weekend, which sees the fifth, and penultimate, round of the European Champions Cup and second tier Challenge Cup.