Aussies Abroad: Samu's big game in Champions Cup quarters, Kerevi's try scoring run continues in Japan

Mon, Apr 14, 2025, 11:46 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Backrower Pete Samu had a big game for Bordeaux-Begles as they advanced to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup. Photo: AFP
Backrower Pete Samu had a big game for Bordeaux-Begles as they advanced to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup. Photo: AFP

The weekend's Rugby saw a host of Australians feature in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup in Europe.

On top of this, several big-name former Wallabies scored crucial tries as the Japanese season enters its final weeks.

Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

Rugby.com.au looks at the best Australian performers from overseas.

Champions Cup

Backrower Pete Samu had a big game for Bordeaux-Begles as they advanced to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup.

Samu was rampant with three line breaks and a try in the first half as he powered through the Munster defence.

He was replaced with 20 minutes to go as Bordeaux ran out 47-29 winners.

Fellow Australian Adam Coleman came off just before Samu after a solid defensive performance with six tackles without a miss.

For Northampton, James Ramm and Josh Kemeny were influential in their 51-16 win over Castres.

Ramm recorded three tackle busts and four offloads, whilst Kemeny had his hand in a try, two turnovers and two line breaks.

It was a tougher afternoon for prop Sam Talakai, who started in Glasgow’s 52-0 defeat to Leinster.

Japan

Samu Kerevi continues his try-scoring run in Japan’s Rugby League One despite Urayasu D-Rocks’ struggles.

Kerevi had a remarkable 22 carries in the 33-20 defeat to Kobe, scoring a first-half try, five tackle busts, and two line break assists.

He was joined in the try-scoring column by former Test teammates Marika Koroibete and Tom Banks as their sides battled out an entertaining 53-33 win to the Saitama Wild Knights.

Koroibete scored in the 13th minute before his day was ended minutes later after an HIA.

Meanwhile, Banks crossed early in the second half to give Honda Heat hope before they were blown away late.

Bernard Foley keeps rolling for Kubota, contributing 10 points in a 30-10 win over Tokyo Sungoliath, who had Harry Hockings and Trevor Hosea.

Matt Philip scored his second try of the season but couldn’t inspire Yokohama Canon Eagles to victory, going down 38-28 to Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars.

Liam Gill also scored as BlackRams Tokyo thumped Michael Hooper’s Toyota Verblitz 37-7, with Hooper making a game-high 22 tackles in defeat.

In Division Two, Will Genia scored a crucial try for Kintetsu as they defeated RedHurricanes Osaka 46-31.

Genia and good mate Quade Cooper each had a try assist as they kept in touch with the top two.

France

The Top 14 remains on break, but a few Aussies impressed in Division Two.

Izack Rodda played 65 minutes for Provence in their 31-20 win over Beziers.

Former Rebel Jake Strachan had a big hand in Colomiers’ 46-37 win over Aurillac as he scored a try and recorded six tackle busts.

Fellow Aussie Caleb Timu scored for Aurillac in defeat, also recording a host of tackle busts with five.

Meanwhile, Tom Ross came off the bench in a tight 42-41 win over Biarritz. The former Waratah and Brumby were on the field as they kicked the winning penalty with 40 seconds left.

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