Smith captained the Shizuoka Revs to a narrow loss

Springbok star Kwagga Smith captained the Shizuoka Blue Revs to a narrow loss against the Saitama Wild Knights in the Japan Top League this weekend.

Smith’s charges scored a try in the dying embers of the match, but the Knights - who also featured Springbok Damian de Allende - held on for a 15-14 win.

Staying in the land of the rising sun, Springbok livewire Faf de Klerk made his first start for the Canon Eagles as they battled to a 27-all draw with the Kubota Spears. Jessie Kriel joined de Klerk in the Eagles’ starting line-up, while fellow World Cup winner Malcolm Marx ran on for the Spears.

2019 World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit starred for Toyota Verblitz in their 27-25 loss at the hands of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars.

Springbok forwards Marcell Coetzee and JD Schickerling helped Kobe Steel to an entertaining 58-36 win over Hanazono Kintetsu Liners.

Moving west to Premiership Rugby, the Sale Sharks let a 14-0 lead slip when they went down 20-14 to an inspired Newcastle Falcons. Robert and Dan du Preez started for Sale, while Jean-Luc and Akker van der Merwe came off the bench.

Leicester captain and former U20 star Hanro Liebenberg made 25 metres in five carries and nine tackles as they defeated Gloucester 28-13.

Across the English Channel in the Top 14 in France, Springbok tighthead Trevor Nyakane played in a star-studded Racing 92 side who were trounced 48-10 by Stade Francais.

Former Bok flyers Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule started for European Champions La Rochelle, who came up short 12-8 to Bordeaux.

Meanwhile, at the top of the table, Toulouse continued their imperious form with the 22-18 victory over Castres, with Springbok flank Rhynhardt Elstadt playing for the table-toppers.