Serfontein and Kings wing Sergeal Petersen are two Super Rugby regulars to make Dawie Theron’s squad and brilliant flyhalf Handre Pollard is another to play in a second successive tournament.

Theron’s squad lost a three-match series 2-1 to Argentina in Argentina.

Serfontein, Petersen and Western Province’s Cheslin Kolbe did not play in those matches.

Bulls loose forward Ruan Steenkamp is captain.

Serfontein and Pollard are the only two squad members from last year’s winning unit.

The Baby Boks play France, England and the USA in Pool A.

Baby Boks squad:

Props: Andrew Beerwinkel (Blue Bulls), Marne Coetzee (KZN), Luan de Bruin (Free State), Devon Martinus (Golden Lions), Sithembiso Sithole (WP)
Hookers: Ockert du Toit (Free State), Michael Willemse (WP). Locks: Jacques du Plessis (Blue Bulls), Irne Herbst (Blue Bulls), Jannes Kirsten (Blue Bulls), Dennis Visser (Blue Bulls)
Loose forwards: Ruan Steenkamp (Blue Bulls, c), Aidon Davis (EP Kings), Kwagga Smith (Golden Lions), Roelof Smit (Blue Bulls)
Scrumhalves: Stefan Ungerer (KZN), Hanco Venter (KZN), Percy Williams (Golden Lions).
Flyhalves: Handré Pollard (Blue Bulls), Robert du Preez (KZN).
Centres: Jan Serfontein (Blue Bulls), Dries Swanepoel (Blue Bulls), Justin Geduld (Springbok Sevens).
Wings: Luther Obi (Leopards), Sergeal Petersen (EP Kings), Seabelo Senatla (Springbok Sevens).
Fullbacks: Cheslin Kolbe (WP), Sylvian Mahuza (Leopards).

We are well aware that Ryan Kankowski will not tour but nobody saw the inclusion of Derick Minnie as the reason that Plumtree can risk going to New Zealand and Australia without the experienced Kankowski. After speculation about JP Pietersen’s injury, he has been included in the squad.

Derick Minnie is one of three Lions recruits in the touring squad, joining team mates Franco van der Merwe and Andries Coetzee.

Another surprise inclusion is that of Piet Lindeque, who was with the Sharks for three years before leaving to play Varsity Cup for Tuks. He had since been recalled straight into the touring party, after being seen as surplus to requirements.

Another youngster amongst the party is Alan Dell, who will cover the front row in case of Tendai Mtawarira going down. After some speculation, Frans Steyn has been included after all.

Sharks Touring Squad:

Forwards:

1. Anton Bresler
2. Craig Burden
3. Marcell Coetzee
4. Kyle Cooper
5. Keegan Daniel
6. Allan Dell
7. Jean Deysel
8. Jannie du Plessis
9. Pieter-Steph du Toit
10. Derick Minnie
11. Wiehahn Herbst
12. Tendai Mtawarira
13. Lubabalo Mtembu
14. Franco van der Merwe

Backs:

1. Meyer Bosman
2. Andries Coetzee
3. Paul Jordaan
4. Patrick Lambie
5. Piet Lindeque
6. Charl McLeod
7. Odwa Ndungane
8. JP Pietersen
9. Cobus Reinach
10. Sean Robinson
11. Francois Steyn
12. Riaan Viljoen

By Richard Ferguson

The Boks have never won the Hong Kong title and they will have to wait for another year after Argentina hammered them 21-0 on Friday and Australia added to the misery with a 21-12 win on Saturday.

The Boks, who won in Las Vegas, struggled to recapture the form and again fell foul to inconsistency in performance.

South Africa finally found form in beating Wales 31-0 but still ended fourth out of four in the Pool Stages. The Boks play Spain on Sunday in the Bowl quarter-final.

Live scoring courtesy of the IRB Sevens home page

The Chiefs led 13 – 7 at half time, kicking two penalties in the second half to win 19 – 7.

The Highlanders’ tactic from the outset was to play high paced rugby, planning on taking advantage of a Chiefs team that has travelled back from South Africa this week. It is a tactic that could well have worked, had their finishing been more accurate. The Highlanders enjoyed in excess of 70% of the possession and territory in the first half, yet was trailing at all times.

The Chiefs pounced on a turnover which saw Tim Nanai Williams streak half the field and scoring in the opening ten minutes. This came after the Highlanders were putting pressure on the Chiefs deep in their own half. The Highlanders did respond with a try of their own, Aaron Smith scoring soon after the runaway try, but were kept scoreless for the rest of the match.

The Chiefs showed guts and determination to keep the spirited Highlanders at bay, especially after having only four days to prepare for the match. The signs of a Champion side were clear as their defence was unforgiving and their potency on turnover ball turned the Highlanders around throughout the match.

Richard Kahui made his long-awaited return to Super Rugby, coming on in the last quarter of the match. His physicality was an instant boost to the Chiefs backline, breaking the defensive line and offloading like Sonny Bill Williams.

The Highlanders could have picked up at least a bonus point, if not pull off a surprise victory, had Colin Slade kicked his penalties. He missed nine points in kicks at goal, and a few more penalties in the second half when they were chasing the game, could have seen them record their first victory of the season.

The Highlanders return home to host the Reds next weekend, while the Chiefs have another New Zealand derby, facing the Blues.

By Richard Ferguson

Daniel is one of three changes to the starting line-up that overcame the Kings in Port Elizabeth last weekend. With Jean Deysel’s injury, Daniel’s return couldn’t have been better timed.

The other changes are in the backline where Charl McLeod starts ahead of Cobus Reinach while Odwa Ndungane is selected ahead of Lwazi Mvovo. These changes might be seen as rotation, but personally I think John Plumtree wants the most experienced side on the park against a tough Brumbies team.

The tinkering in the backline indicates a greater focus on the Brumbies’ kicking game, with Odwa Ndungane notoriously better than Mvovo under the high ball, and with his stints at fullback, will be a second for Louis Ludik. McLeod’s inclusion over Reinach could be purely on form after the youngster battled against the Kings, being substituted for the last quarter of the match, where McLeod showed some good form.

The bench sees the two dropped backline players take their spots, while Jacques Botes’ cracked wrist must not be too serious as he takes his place as backup.

Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 Odwa Ndungane 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Keegan Daniel (captain), 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Anton Bresler, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.Substitutes: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Cobus Reinach, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Lwazi Mvovo.

By Richard Ferguson

The front row looks completely different with starts handed to both Willie Wepener and Frik Kirsten, Chiliboy Ralapelle and Werner Kruger taking their spots on the bench. The loosies also see change with Deon Stegmann replacing Jacques Potgieter, who drops to the bench while Arno Botha retains his spot.

The changes continue into the backline with Jano Vermaak getting his first start in a long time ahead of Hougaard. JJ Engelbrecht returns to join up with Wynand Olivier in the midfield, pushing Lionel Mapoe out onto the wing. Akona Ndungane is also back in the mix, replacing Sampie Mastriet, while Mapoe fills the gap left by the injured Basson.

The bench sees all the players dropped from the starting fifteen with the exception of Jürgen Visser, who comes on in place of Jan Serfontein who is not in the match 22.

Making wholesale changes to a team before an important first tour match against the Blues is questionable, but after their opening 60 minute performance against the Force, change could be exactly what is needed.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Lionel Mapoe, 10 Mornè Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandrè Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Frik Kirsten, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Mornè Mellett. Substitutes: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Grant Hattingh, 19 Jacques Potgieter, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 Jürgen Visser.

By Richard Ferguson

The star-studded international flavoured hosts could have won by more but Jonny Wilkinson hit the post three times in four of his goal kicking misses. Wilkinson’s misfortune with the up right didn’t stop him slotting a left and right footed drop goal and adding a late penalty and touchline conversion for a man of the match performance.

Botha provided the fire to Toulon’s effort as they destroyed a Toulouse team loaded with French international players.

This was the Botha who produced so many inspired performances for the Bulls and Boks. He bled from the ears, from the nose and from both eyebrows, but he grinned from ear to ear, even when yellow carded for sorting out Toulouse’s Samoan prop Census Johnstone.

Botha got a standing ovation when subbed on the 70th minute but the biggest ovation was reserved for Wilkinson who captained Toulon to an impressive and inspired victory that entrenches Toulon’s position as the Top 14 log leaders.

By Mark Keohane

Kaplan confirmed he will retire at the end of 2013 at which time he will have refereed more than a 1000 matches at every level.

Kaplan steps down after 21 years in the game, officiating more International matches, Super Rugby matches and Currie Cup matches than any other referee.

Kaplan’s records:
· A world record 68 Test matches
· A record 99 Vodacom Super Rugby matches
· A record 150 Absa Currie Cup matches
· Attended four Rugby World Cup tournaments
· Five Absa Currie Cup finals
· Three Vodacom Super Rugby Finals

The above list is set to grow during the year, reaching his century of Super Rugby matches in the first full week of Super Rugby action in Bloemfontein where the Cheetahs host the Sharks.

Only a World Cup final eluded Kaplan, who would have been given the 2007 final in Paris had South Africa not been a finalist.

By Richard Ferguson

Scott’s a rebel with a cause
Welshman Gareth Delve will captain the Rebels in their Super Rugby opener against the Force with Kurtley Beale starting at flyhalf and James O’Connor at fullback.

Former Reds flanker Scott Higginbotham also makes his debut.

Rebels: 15. James O’Connor , 14. Lachlan Mitchell , 13. Mitch Inman , 12. Rory Sidey , 11. Richard Kingi , 10. Kurtley Beale , 9. Nick Phipps , 8. Gareth Delve (c) , 7. Scott Fuglistaller , 6. Scott Higginbotham , 5. Luke Jones , 4. Hugh Pyle , 3. Laurie Weeks , 2. Ged Robinson , 1. Nic Henderson

Replacements: 16. Shota Horie , 17. Paul Alo-Emile , 18. Cadeyrn Neville , 19. Jarrod Saffy , 20. Nic Stirzaker , 21. Alex Rokobaro , 22. Tom English

James slips into skip’s role

James Horwill won’t be rushed back to Super Rugby and in his continued absence the captaincy goes to James Slipper.

The young prop leads the Reds against the Brumbies as Horwill has been given an extra week and Will Genia has been given as much time as is needed to return after tearing knee ligaments during last year’s international season.

Former Springbok and Bulls scrumhalf Fourie du Preez has been a revelation for Suntory Sungoliath since joining them after the 2011 World Cup. Under the veteran No 9′s watch, they claimed their third trophy in two seasons.

Du Preez spearheaded the club’s attack in their 19-3 Top League final win over the Brave Lupus. The 30-year-old played a hand in both tries scored in the first stanza, which saw Suntory lead 12-3 at the break. He was then substituted in the 72nd minute, before his team dotted down for a third time at the death.

Suntory have now clinched back-to-back league titles. They will have an opportunity to win another piece of silverware when they enter the All-Japan Championship knockout tournament at the semi-final stage.

In the Anglo-Welsh Cup, Saffa-laden Saracens jumped to the top of Pool 3 after their 19-11 comeback win over the Cardiff Blues. Sarries trailed 8-6 at the break before delivering an impressive second-half display.

Lock Mouritz Botha and flank Nick Fenton-Wells started for the victors, with hooker John Smit, prop Petrus du Plessis, lock Alistair Hargreaves and flank Justin Melck making an impact off the bench.

Bath remained in the running to advance to the play-off phase after 16-6 win over the Exeter Chiefs. Flank Nick Koster played a key role for director of rugby Gary Gold’s team.

South African-born lock Rob Andrew did a good job in the Leicester Tigers’ 34-8 thrashing of London Wasps.

In the French Top 14, loosehead prop Gurthro Steenkamp and replacement hooker Gary Botha helped their team to a 19-14 win over tighthead prop Eugene van Staden’s Biarritz to elevate to second place in the standings.

It was an encouraging first-half display by the Cheetahs, but ultimately they will lament their inability to maintain that form over an 80-minute period.

It’s clear that there’s been a concerted effort to improve their defence in the off-season, as despite missing a host of first-choice players, they were able to produce an aggressive and organised display in the face of a relentless Lions attack.

The Lions dominated territory and possession initially, but were undone by their own handling errors as well as the Cheetahs’ smart work at the breakdown. The visitors were especially effective in this department, slowing the Lions’ ruck recycle and in several instances making a turnover.

As was to be expected in the first game of the season, the Cheetahs were not absolutely accurate. They conceded a number of penalties at the breakdown, and Raymond Rhule was yellow carded in the 20th minute for a dangerous tackle.

The Cheetahs enjoyed more attacking opportunities as the match progressed, with Rhule scoring on his return from the sin bin and Hennie Daniller rounding off a well-worked move. This good work was undone, however, when their defence lapsed and conceded two quick tries in succession.

As the game entered the final quarter, it was the turn of the Lions to showcase some defensive mettle. They withstood a determined Cheetahs barrage from point blank range, and then eventually secured the turnover that would allow them to clear their lines.

A high hanging kick then went unfielded by the Cheetahs, and Lionel Cronje managed to collect the bouncing ball and extend the hosts’ lead. Cronje sparked the decisive try moments later when he intercepted a pass on his own 22m line, and then found Stokkie Hannekom with a clever offload.

Jantjies confirmed to keo.co.za that he is on an eight-month Super Rugby contract with the Stormers, after which he will see out his Currie Cup contract with the Lions.

He will only then make a decision where to play domestically in the 2014 season.

‘I am not on loan from the Lions to the Stormers. I am on a Stormers Super Rugby contract,’ he said. ‘But I gave a commitment to the Lions to play in the Currie Cup. I think all the Lions players were shocked when it was confirmed that the Lions would not play in Super Rugby. I don’t think any of us thought it could happen and with the uncertainty of who would play [the Kings or Lions] my focus was always with the Lions. Every player wants to play Super Rugby so when it was confirmed the Lions were out I had several offers from within South Africa.

‘I settled on the Stormers after consultation with my father, my agent and after much prayer. I am religious and a lot of thought went into the move. I loved playing for the Lions and certainly won’t be rushed into making a decision about 2014. My focus now is on the Stormers and giving everything to the squad.’

Jantjies said he has dealt with the move as he would when called up to the national squad.

‘When you play for the Boks and are involved with the Bok set-up you give that your total concentration. You work with the national coaches, who invariably were very different in many ways to what we had at the Lions, and Super Rugby and provincial set-ups are so different to national set-ups. I give my all to the team I am with at the time and to the coaches guiding my contribution to the team. I don’t see myself as a Lions guy playing for the Stormers just like I won’t see myself as a Stormers guy playing for the Lions in the Currie Cup. I am a South African rugby player hoping to excel for the Stormers in Super Rugby and a South African rugby player hoping to be as successful when playing for the Lions in the Currie Cup.

‘Both Super Rugby and Currie Cup are opportunities to make a case for national squad selection. If the team does well and I am part of that reason then the rewards will follow.’

Jantjies said he is always in touch with his former team-mates and has a healthy relationship with the coaches at both regions.

‘There is a lot of respect for the situation of the Lions players who are playing for different regions this season but from the moment I arrived in Cape Town I took on the attitude that the Stormers are my team for the next eight months and they get all my effort and my loyalty.’

Jantjies made his Test debut in 2012 after first touring with the Boks in 2010. He played flyhalf against the Barbarians at Twickenham in 2010, but Test caps are not given to Bok players for matches against the Barbarians.

He completed his schooling at Hoerskool Florida in Gauteng, where he played for the Lions Craven Week side after spending his first two years of high school at Paarl Gymnasium in the Western Cape.

By Mark Keohane

Pienaar was named on the longlist for this prestigious prize following the conclusion of the European Cup and European Challenge Cup pool stages. The incumbent Ulster and Bok No 9 is the only South African on this list.

A five-man shortlist will be announced by the judging panel following the semi-finals of the respective competitions. The winner of the award will be announced after the finals in May.

European Player of the Year 2013 Longlist:
Steffon Armitage (Toulon)
Rory Best (Ulster)
Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
Wesley Fofana (Clermont)
Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier)
Charlie Hodgson (Saracens)
James Johnston (Harlequins)
Joe Launchbury (London Wasps)
Morgan Parra (Clermont)
Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers)
Ruan Pienaar (Ulster)
Simon Zebo (Munster)

In Mark Keohane’s article on John Plumtree, the Sharks coach revealed that having so many players away on international duty has allowed the men from Durban to develop talent at Currie Cup level, which he sees as a tournament that showcases of the next generation of star players in South Africa.

Plumtree said that he ‘does not differentiate between the need to win and develop quality players’ and that ‘it can’t be one at the expense of the other. The nature of the sport is you have to win but you can develop and win at the same time if your identification is right.’

The coach’s emphasis on player recruitment and development is backed up by an article on Schoolboy Rugby that reveals the Sharks latest and youngest signings.

The report suggests that the Sharks only contract between eight and 12 young players every year, with these players picked based both on their rugby ability and the future needs of the union.

The recruitment drive is geared towards identifying the best players, irrespective of where they reside or play their rugby. Contracted players automatically join the high performance elite training group at the Sharks Academy where they receive specialised training. Their contracts contain both performance and academic clauses, which means that in order to receive their full salary, players have to show commitment to both rugby and their studies.

The eight contracted players (with bio’s courtesy of Schoolboy Rugby)

Jean-Luc du Plessis (Paarl Boys High): The son of Springbok left wing Carel. A talented cricketer as well, Du Plessis plies his trade at flyhalf where he is known for his vision and attacking skills.

Neil Maritz (Paarl Boys High): Lightning quick outside centre who spent a great deal of 2012 sidelined due to injury. The 110m hurdles athlete has good hands, can put a team-mate into the gap and is solid on defence. He has been likened to Jean de Villiers.

Andre Esterhuizen (Klerksdorp): At 1.91m and 104kg this fullback can also play centre. Represented the SA Sevens team in 2011 while still in Grade 11 and was expected to walk into the SA Schools team last year. However, he got suspended for six months for using a racist term.

Sandile Kubeka (Kearsney): The SA Schools centre had a quiet Craven Week by his high standards. Contender for the KZN Player of the Year and deserved a national U18 cap. Won a local annual sports hero award. Three years of 1st XV experience.

Bart le Roux (Framesby): The 1.91m, 116kg tighthead prop was part of the unbeaten EP Craven Week team in 2012. A year before that Le Roux represented the SA Academy team against France. For a big man, Le Roux is able to get around the park and thrives on being in the thick of the action.

Stefan van Schalkwyk (Oakdale): He is 1.87m and 122kg. Good scrummager, and for a young guy of his size, his mobility and hands are exceptional. Packs some good aggression.

Marné Coetzee (Glenwood): Tighthead prop who made the 2011 SA Schools team playing Craven Week for the Blue Bulls while attending Waterkloof. He moved to Durban later the year after accepting a contract to play for the Sharks once his schooling was completed. Played for the Sharks in the U19 domestic competition last year. Part of the SA U20 squad.

Gideon Koegelenberg (Hugenote): The 2012 SA Schools lock – 1.99m and 110kg. Great attitude, high work-rate, good hands and ball-carrying skills. The Sharks flew him to Durban to be part of the their U19 provincial campaign last year.

Leinster beat the Exeter Chiefs on Saturday but fellow Irish province Munster’s 29-6 win against a 14-man Racing Metro ended Leinster’s hopes of qualifying and was enough for an away play-off.

Saracens smashed Edinburgh 40-7 with South Africans Schalk Brits and Ernst Joubert among a rampant Saracens starting pack.

English giants Leicester edged French giants Toulouse 9-5 to secure a last eight place, but it was a match played in snow that would have down the visitors no favours.

Three French clubs, three English clubs and two Irish provinces complete the quarter-finals, which will take place in April after the Six Nations.

European Cup quarter-finals (hosts first)
Harlequins vs Munster
Clermont Auvergne vs Montpellier
Toulon vs Leicester
Saracens vs Ulster

Final weekend’s results
Benetton Treviso 17 Ospreys 14
Leicester Tigers 9 Toulouse 5
Munster 29 Racing Metro 6
Saracens 40 Edinburgh 7
Cardiff Blues 26 Sale Sharks 14
Castres 8 Ulster 9
Exeter Chiefs 20 Leinster 29
Glasgow 27 Northampton Saints 20
Montpellier 23 Toulon 3
Scarlets 0 Clermont Auvergne 29

The Lions scored seven tries (including two penalty tries) at Ellis Park, but it was far from a flawless performance, as you would expect from an early-season hit-out.

‘One particular area [of concern] was the restarts,’ said Ackermann. ‘When they kicked on us, we made it difficult to get out of our own half. It probably had a bit to do with the weather and we didn’t get to do what we planned.

‘There is definitely rustiness that we need to sort out and there were also new combinations and you could see as the game progressed we got a bit better.’

Ackermann will continue to test combinations before deciding who his regular starters will be.

Meanwhile, Lions captain JC Janse van Rensburg said the team knew things would get tougher from here.

‘Next week the level of the competition goes up playing against the Cheetahs, and we want to prove ourselves against the guys playing Super Rugby,’ he said.

LIONS FIXTURES:
26 January: vs Cheetahs, Ellis Park (5pm)
2 February: vs Bulls, Orlando Stadium (3pm)
9 February: vs Kings, Ellis Park (TBC)
23 February: vs Namibia in Windhoek (TBC)
16 March: vs Mont de Marsan, Ellis Park (7:30pm)
13 April: vs US Invitational, California (TBC)
20 April: vs North American Barbarians, Vancouver (TBC)
27 April: vs Chicago Lions, Chicago (TBC)
11 May: vs Agen, Ellis Park (3pm)
1 June: vs Samoa, Ellis Park (3pm)
8 June: vs French Barbarians, Ellis Park (2pm)
15 June: vs Stormers, Ellis Park (2pm)
21 June: vs Sharks, Ellis Park (7pm)
12 July: vs Montpellier, Ellis Park (7pm)
20 July: vs Grenoble, Ellis Park (2.30pm)
27 July: Promotion-relegation play-off, TBC (TBC)
3 August: Promotion-relegation play-off, Ellis Park (TBC)

Springbok scrumhalf Pienaar started at flyhalf for the Belfast club and kicked the last of his penalties in the 63rd minute as Ulster took a 9-8 lead against the French club and then held on to win by a single point.

Former Sharks scrumhalf Rory Kockott, who was Pienaar’s understudy in Durban, kicked a solitary penalty for Castres, yet despite being in prolific goal kicking form in the Top 14, couldn’t do more with the boot and he was subbed in the 54th minute with his team 8-6 ahead.

Castres scored the only try of the match.

It was Ulster’s first win in France and kept alive their European Cup hopes. The final eight will be determined after Sunday’s matches.

The Shield is for those teams not competing in the European Cup. Only five teams from the Shield qualify for the play-offs and are joined by three teams who miss out on the European Cup quarter-finals.

Bath, who have struggled in the Premiership for consistency, were always going to be too strong for Bucaresti and won easily 53-8. The team, coached by former Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold, won all six league matches in the qualifying rounds.

Former Stormers loose forward and SA Schools sensation Koster is back to full fitness after a year out with a knee injury and got among the scorers. Koster, who was schooled at Bishops in Cape Town, qualifies through ancestry to play for England, and Gold is not alone in believing Koster will be in the England side by the 2015 World Cup.

Gloucester also finished unbeaten in the group stages and London Wasps, who won 20-19 against the Newport Gwent Dragons earlier in the week, also qualify for the quarter-finals.

But the French Top 14 leaders and one of the form teams in this season’s European Cup still qualified for the quarter-finals.

Toulon, away to Montpellier, started with 10 current and past internationals, and included on the substitute’s bench were former All Blacks tighthead Carl Hayman, former Bok loose forward Joe van Niekerk and the excellent Pumas loose forward Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe.

Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson kicked a fourth-minute penalty to give the visitors a 3-0 lead but Montpellier scored the first of two tries after eight minutes and closed out the game 23-3 winners.

Ireland’s Leinster came from behind to win against Exeter and Clermont hammered the Scarlets 29-0.

European Cup results:
Castres 8 Ulster 9
Glasgow 27 Northampton Saints 20
Cardiff Blues 26 Sale Sharks 14
Montpellier 23 Toulon 3
Exeter Chiefs 20 Leinster 29
Scarlets 0 Clermont Auvergne 29

European Shield results:
Cavalieri Prato 0 Grenoble 47
Mogliano 0 Bayonne 54
Bath Rugby 53 Bucureti 8
Gloucester Rugby 36 Mont-de-Marsan 16
London Irish 17 Bordeaux Begles 7
Worcester Warriors 71 Bizkaia Gernika 19

The hosts crossed the whitewash on five occasions, and were also awarded two penalty tries.

Flyhalf Lionel Cronje had an impressive outing with the boot in his debut for the Johannesburg side as he slotted five conversions and two penalties.

In reply, Russia only managed a consolation try via Alexey Makovetskiy in the second half. Their poor discipline saw Valeriy Tsnobiladze yellow carded for a breakdown transgression, while Igor Klyuchnikov received a late red card for a dangerous tackle.

The Lions face the Cheetahs and Bulls over the next two weekends, before taking on the Kings on 9 February.