Springbok overseas wrap

Springbok behemoth Duane Vermeulen was seemingly back to his rampaging best as Ulster defeated the Sale Sharks in the Heineken Champions Cup tie this weekend.

With Ulster having a narrow lead going into the dying embers of the match, Vermeulen would crash over in the 76th minute to help his side seal a 22-11 win. Springbok flyhalf Rob du Preez and brother Jean-Luc both started for Sale.

World Cup winner Handre Pollard kicked 16 points off the tee for Leicester Tigers, who went down 27-26 after an incredible 93rd-minute conversion from Ospreys. Former SA U20 star Hanro Liebenberg captained the Tigers and made all his 12 tackles.

Montpellier have Springbok livewire Cobus Reinach to thank for the thrilling comeback to earn a 21-all draw against London Irish. The scrumhalf took a quick tap and dashed over for a decisive try late in the game.

Springboks Warrick Gelant and Trevor Nyakane started for Racing 92, who lost 36-10 to the indomitable Leinster. Unfortunately for Nyakane, the prop left the field before halftime with a shoulder injury.

Springbok flyers Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule started on the wings for reigning European champions La Rochelle, who defeated Northampton Saints 31-13.

In the Challenge Cup, Cheslin Kolbe made 48 metres from eight carries as Toulon defeated Zebre 14-5, securing a home tie in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world in Japan League One, a host of South Africans bagged tries.

Malcolm Marx and Japan-capped South Africans Gerhard van den Heever and Lappies Labuschagne all crossed the line for the Kubota Spears as they defeated Kobe Steel 25-21. Utility forward Marcel Coetzee also scored for Kobe.

Springbok No 9 Faf de Klerk came off the bench to join Bok teammate Jessie Kriel and score a try for the Canon Eagles, who beat Green Rockets 36-12.

Bok hardman Pieter-Steph du Toit captained the struggling Toyota Verblitz to a 63-25 loss at the hands of Toshiba Brave Lupus. Nonetheless, du Toit executed a superlative offload that led to a try.

Lood de Jager earned his second start for the Panasonic Wild Knights as they beat Ricoh Black Rams 38-17 to remain unbeaten.

Finally, Kwagga Smith captained the Blue Revs, who are still looking for their first win of the season, to a 27-all draw against the Mitsubishi Dynaboars.