Du Preez stars for Sharks

Dan du Preez scored his second try of the season as the Sharks edged the Bears in a South African-flavoured English Premiership clash.

English Prem:
Fullback Tyrone Green and former Sharks prop Jordan Els ran out for Harlequins in the 24-22 win against the Exeter Chiefs. Former Western Province duo Kwenzo Blose and flanker Jacques Vermeulen featured for Chiefs.

A final full-time at The Stoop for @dannycare 🥹#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/qTFqmJ4Z6s

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) May 18, 2025

Johann van Graan’s Bath, powered by Springbok prop Thomas du Toit, hammered Handre Pollard’s Leicester Tigers 43-15 at the Rec. Prop Frans van Wyk made an appearance off the bench for Bath, while former Bulls flanker Hanro Liebenberg started for the Tigers.

Scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl’s Saracens fell to a 28-24 reverse against the Northampton Saints who missed former Stormers bruiser Juarno Augustus.

Former Lions No 8 Ruan Ackermann started for Gloucester in their 26-12 away win against Newcastle Falcons. Former SAU20 lock Sebastian de Chaves packed down for the Falcons, while prop Luan de Bruin featured off the bench.

Five South Africans faced off in Sale Sharks’ 41-27 victory against the Bristol Bears in Salford. Dan du Preez, backed up by brothers Rob and Jean-Luc, crossed the whitewash in the second quarter. Lock Ernst van Rhyn started in the Sale pack, while Benhard Janse van Rensburg ran out for the Bears.

Top 14:
Eight-cap Springbok Uzair Cassiem started at No 8 for Aviron Bayonnais in a 38-32 home win against Vannes.

Le tour de passe-passe 🪄
Maqala le magicien de l’@avironrugbypro réalise un nouveau numéro pour duper les défenses et envouter Jean-Dauger 🤩 #TOP14 pic.twitter.com/v42iBrKHWC

— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) May 18, 2025

Former SAU20 scrumhalf James Hall featured alongside Jaco van Tonder in Perpignan’s 31-13 defeat to Clermont at the Stade Marcel-Michelin.

C’est ce qui s’appelle faire vivre le ballon 🙌🏉
Dextérité et abnégation de l’@ASMOfficiel pour marquer ce bel essai 🌋#TOP14 pic.twitter.com/EaiBB24xvq

— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) May 18, 2025

Fullback Joe Jonas ran out for Stade Francais in a nail biting 31-30 win against EPCR Challenge Cup finalists Lyon. Jonas was backed up by former Sharks centre Jeremy Ward (who scored a try in the third quarter) and lock JJ van der Mescht, while Arno Botha dotted down for Lyon.

Pas de panique 😮‍💨
L’ouvreur du @SFParisRugby ne tremble pas au moment d’enquiller la pénalité du succès 🎯
Un petit point d’écart pour le plus grand bonheur des Parisiens 😄#TOP14 pic.twitter.com/4nAb4kkn5A

— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) May 18, 2025

Rohan Janse van Rensburg started in midfield for Bordeaux Begles in a 34-29 victory against Castres Olympique.

Premier doublé en #TOP14 pour Maël Moustin 🔥
Contre ses anciens coéquipiers de @UBBrugby, le jeune ailier a brillé et propulse le @MHR_officiel dans le Top 6 ! pic.twitter.com/Y66LeEcYSd

— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) May 12, 2025

Former Stormers speedster Dillyn Leyds crossed the whitewash in La Rochelle’s emphatic 47-18 win against Montpellier at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

Japan League One:
Willie Potigieter packed down for Kobe Steel in their 35-20 win against the Blue Revs. Springbok flanker Kwagga Smith and Sylvian Mahuza featured off the bench for the Blue Revs.

Seven South Africans ran out for Kubota Spears in a 20-15 victory against Cheslin Kolbe’s Suntory Sungoliaths. Bok hooker Malcom Marx scrummed down alongside Merwe Olivier, David Bulbring and Tyler Paul, while Rikus Pretorius marshalled the midfield. Former Stormers hooker Schalk Erasmus featured as a replacement and Ruan Botha scored a try off the bench. Kolbe added 10 points, contributing a try and five points from the tee.

Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Sale Sharks