It was a big weekend of Cup action in Europe as several Australians played leading roles in big matches.
On top of this, the Japanese leagues are starting to get into their rhythm as the first month of action concludes.
‘Aussies Abroad’ highlights the standouts from a big weekend of Rugby.
Champions Cup
Centre Izaia Perese had a field day for Michael Cheika’s Leicester as the barnstorming midfield torched Ulster in a 38-10 win.
Perese was unstoppable, breaking a dozen tackles to go with a try, try assist and three line breaks.
Former Waratahs teammate Jed Holloway made his debut start for the Tigers as they secured their place in the knock-out stages of the competition.
Lachlan Swinton returned to the starting side for Bordeaux-Begles as they thumped Scott Sio’s Exeter 69-17
Sam Talakai came on in the final 26 minutes to close out the win for Glasgow against Feleti Kaitu’u and Racing 92. Kaitu’u was the side’s top tackler before he departed after 49 minutes but the Scottish side were too strong thanks to former Rebel and Test skipper Sione Tuipulotu.
Meanwhile, Josh Kemeny, Angus Scott-Young and James Ramm all started in Northampton’s 45-35 shootout defeat to Stade Francais.
Folau Fainga’a scored in Clermont’s 40-21 defeat to Bath whilst Kane Douglas and La Rochelle went down to Leinster.
Challenge Cup
In the Challenge Cup, fullback Jack Walsh was in fine form as Ospreys defeated Newcastle 35-15.
He scored a double and set up another to guide them to a crucial win over the Falcons.
Fellow Aussie playmaker Jake McIntyre was yellow carded but returned to help Perpignan take down Cardiff 23-20.
Jack Maddocks came off the bench for Pau as they defeated the Dragons 24-15.
Max Douglas was one of a few bright spots for Scarlets, winning two turnovers and recording four offloads in a 31-7 defeat to Gloucester.
Japan
Matt Philip continues to impress for Yokohama Canon Eagles as they took down Shizuoka BlueRevs 53-35.
He had 14 carries, ten tackles and a turnover as they recorded back-to-back wins.
Curtis Rona set up a try in Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars’ 34-26 win over Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Bernard Foley scored in Kubota Spears’ 26-all draw with Tokyo Sungoliath, who started Trevor Hosea, Harry Hockings and Sean McMahon
Israel Folau scored for Urayasu D-Rocks but couldn’t inspire a comeback as Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo secured the 22-14 win.
In Division Two, Quade Cooper’s try wasn’t enough as Hanazono Kintetsu Liners went down 36-17 to RedHurricanes Osaka.
Nick Phipps set up two tries for Green Rockets Tokatsu in their 49-19 win over Rory Arnold and Hino Red Dolphins
