Wallabies abroad: Aussies kick off the year in style

Sun, Jan 1, 2017, 11:10 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Dave Dennis started for Exeter. Photo: Getty images
Dave Dennis started for Exeter. Photo: Getty images

A thrilling Exeter win over Bath in the Premiership shook up the English competition, with a host of Aussies featuring.


Two tries in the final eight minutes clinched the win for Exeter, giving them their fifth consecutive win.


Dave Dennis started at blindside for Exeter, playing 60 minutes, while Greg Holmes came off the bench to play 29 minutes.

Peter Betham featured for Leicester. Photo: Getty ImagesBen Tapuai played a full game in the centres for Bath, building consistent form since arriving at his new rugby home.


Will Skelton had another start for Saracens in a 16-12 win over Peter Betham’s Leicester, playing 62 minutes in the victory.


Betham lined up on the wing for the Tigers, playing the full 80.


It was another win for Kurtley Beale’s Wasps, who moved to the top of the Premiership with a 34-30 win over Newcastle, though the Australian didn't play.


Former NRL star Ben Te’o scored what was ultimately the match winner for Worcester against Harlequins, with a 45th minute try helping to hold off a fast-finishing ‘Quins team.


TOP 14

Ben Mowen’s Pau pulled off a shock 32-27 Top 14 win over Montpellier to end their 2017, in a weekend of surprise results across Europe.


Mowen's played 56 minutes off the bench for Pau, while Nic White was injected in the 54th minute for Montpellier and Joe Tomane continued his recent run at outside centre.

James O'Connor played a full game for Toulon. Photo: AFPJames O'Connor played on the wing for Toulon in a thrilling win over Racing 92, the only Aussie to feature for the French side in the much-hyped New Year's Day match.


Mike Harris played 68 minutes for Lyon as they edged out Adam Ashley-Cooper’s Bordeaux 19-16.


Ashley-Cooper played the full game on the right wing, while Luke Jones played 69 minutes in the second row.


Will Genia celebrates a Stade win. Photo: AFPWill Genia and Stade Francais kicked off 2017 with a 12-10 win over Brive, as the scrumhalf and Australian lock Hugh Pyle both played the full match.


Clermont’s hold on the number one spot is loosening, with a 26-20 loss to Toulouse giving La Rochelle the chance to close the gap.

 

Sitaleki Timani played 67 minutes in the second row for Clermont in  the clash, while Peter Kimlin played at six for Grenoble, who went down to La Rochelle 40-3.

 

The Japanese Top League will resume next weekend.

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