Saturday Round-Up

Landers comeback: New Zealand outfit The Highlanders made an impressive comeback yesterday, as they came from behind to defeat defending champions the Waratahs 26-19. Courtesy fo some stylish running rugby and a flair for finishing, the home side managed to mount themselves a significant comeback, having gone down 12-0 initially. A stellar performance from Aaron Smith at scrum half set the tone for the home side on their way to reversing the deficit, with the All Black letting rip in the second period and taking advantage of some poor defensive errors. Despite all of the Highlanders’ enterprise in the latter stages, it was the visitors who made all the early running, notching up three tries of their own in the process courtesy of Nick Phipps, Matt Carraro and Stephen Hoiles. The second half comeback from the hosts was arguably not truly reflective of their overall dominance throughout the game, with head coach Jamie Joseph earning a victory he will no doubt savour.

Clermont win: French Top 14 giants Clermont were made to work for their win over Bordeaux-Begles yesterday, in what turned out to be a pulsating 31-23 victory for the hosts. Despite being without a whole host of front-line players who had earned themselves a home win against Clermont earlier this year, the visitors put in a quality performance and could well have snatched themselves a victory on another day. However, despite putting their hosts under intense pressure in the latter stages, Bordeaux were unable to mount a serious comeback of note and ended the game 8 points in arrears. The sole try from hooker John Ulugia was enough to see the hosts over the line, with Mike Delany kicking a further five penalties to go with Brock James’ three. 

Ryan Sheady