Springbok Kriel continues try-scoring run in Japan

Springbok Jesse Kriel continued his try-scoring run in Japan League One this past weekend.

The centre grabbed a well-taken intercept on the halfway line and showed good pace to get over the for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, who trounced the NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu 45-17. The try took Kriel's season tally to six. Bok livewire Faf de Klerk came off the bench in the second stanza for the Eagles.

Springbok fullback Willie le Roux continued his fine form at flyhalf for Toyota Verblitz, with him and Bok teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit helping Verblitz to a dominating 53-5 win over the Mitsubishi Dynaboars.

The Panasonic Wild Knights continued their undefeated season, beating the Black Rams 25-12 with World Cup winners Damien de Allende and Lood de Jager in their midst.

On the other side of the globe in the Heineken Champions Cup, Springboks Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese starred for Leicester Tiger in their humbling 55-24 defeat at the hands of the indomitable Leinster. Pollard kicked seven points while Wiese delivered another workman-like performance, making 12 carries and 14 tackles.

For Leinster, Springbok lock Jason Jenkins came off the bench for the final 20 minutes.

Defending European champions La Rochelle marched past Saracens into the semifinals with a 24-10 victory. Springbok flyer Raymond Rhule had a quiet outing on the wing, making five tackles.