Handre Pollard put in a clinical display as his late penalty sent South Africa through to the Rugby World Cup final at Wales' expense.
The standout team in Pro14 could only manage a 3-0 win against winless Zebre as Leinster struggled on Saturday.
Northampton Saints and Gloucester followed up narrow away wins on the opening weekend by easing to home successes in the Premiership.
England dethroned New Zealand with a magnificent performance in Yokohama to set up a final against South Africa or Wales.
Munster top Pro14 Conference B after their 28-12 victory over Ospreys, while Cardiff Blues were defeated 23-14 by Ulster.
Exeter Chiefs fell to a narrow Premiership defeat at Bath, as Stuart Hogg's first appearance ended in disappointment.
Jake McIntyre was accurate off the tee as Clermont Auvergne stopped Lyon in their tracks in Sunday's Top 14 encounter.
Wasps fell just short in their comeback bid as London Irish made a winning start in their return to the Premiership.
Makazole Mapimpi touched down twice as South Africa ended Japan's incredible Rugby World Cup campaign in the quarter-finals.
Ross Moriarty pounced for a dramatic late try to give Wales victory and a Rugby World Cup semi-final place at the expense of France.
An early red card was decisive as Bordeaux-Begles suffered their second defeat of the Top 14 season.
Northampton Saints claimed a win over the reigning champions at Allianz Park on the opening weekend of the Premiership season.
England are up next for New Zealand after the reigning Rugby World Cup champions recorded an emphatic win over Ireland in Tokyo.
England produced a clinical performance to thump Australia 40-16 and qualify for the semi-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Nathan Hughes made a big impact on his Premiership debut for Bristol Bears, while Luke Morahan claimed a brace in an emphatic derby win.
Kylan Hamdaoui scored late as Top 14 strugglers Stade Francais edged out Toulon, while Bordeaux-Begles ran riot against Clermont Auvergne.