Saffas abroad

Saffas Abroad: Kolbe repeats 2019 heroics

Cheslin Kolbe scored a replica of his 2019 World Cup final try in Japan, while a plethora of South Africans dotted down in the Champions and Challenge Cups.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Handre Pollard of Leicester Tigers kicks the ball upfield during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Leicester, England.

Saffas Abroad: Pollard bests Farrell, again

Handre Pollard continued his successful streak against Owen Farrell in the Premiership, while Cheslin Kolbe dotted down for his first try of the season in Japan.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Handre Pollard of Leicester Tigers kicks a penalty during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Saffas Abroad: Pollard on song to sink Bath

Handre Pollard kicked eight points as Leicester Tigers took advantage of Johann van Graan’s understrength Bath, while Dillyn Leyds scored in La Rochelle’s rout of Toulouse.

Saffas Abroad: Kolisi’s Racing in pole position

Siya Kolisi’s Racing 92 accelerated to the summit of the Top 14, while Johann van Graan’s Bath cleaned up Harlequins in England.

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - DECEMBER 16: Faf De Klerk of Yokohama Canon Eagles passes the ball during the NTT Japan Rugby League One match between Yokohama Canon Eagles and Toyota Verblitz on December 16, 2023 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

Boks in Japan: Faf bests Smith again

Faf de Klerk went head-to-head with Aaron Smith, while Damian de Allende showed off his kicking boots in the second round of Japan’s League One.

TOKYO, JAPAN - DECEMBER 10: Cheslin Kolbe of Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath is tackled by Takeo Suenaga (R) and Bernard Foley (bottom) of Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay during the NTT Japan Rugby League One match between Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath at Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground on December 10, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan.

Saffas in Japan: Kolbe steals the show

Cheslin Kolbe wasted little time in adapting to his new surroundings with a sensational debut performance in the opening round of Japan’s Division One.

NANTERRE, FRANCE - DECEMBER 10: Siya Kolisi of Racing 92 in action during the European Rugby Cup between Racing 92 and Harlequins at Paris La Defense Arena on December 10, 2023 in Nanterre, France.

Saffas Abroad: Kolisi shines in Champs Cup

Siya Kolisi produced an immense performance in his first Champions Cup run for Racing 92, while Springbok prop Thomas du Toit continued his incredible scoring record.

Leicester's Handre Pollard in action during the Gallagher Premiership match at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, Leicester. Picture date: Saturday November 11, 2023.

Saffas Abroad: Polly on song in Champs Cup rehearsal

Handre Pollard continued his excellent form for Leicester Tigers in a big Premiership victory, ahead of the Champions Cup opener against the DHL Stormers.

NANTERRE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 26: South African flanker Siya Kolisi of Racing 92 in action during the Top 14 match between Racing 92 and Stade Rochelais at Paris La Defense Arena on November 26, 2023 in Nanterre, France.

Saffas Abroad: Kolisi makes France debut

Siya Kolisi tasted victory on his long-awaited debut for new club Racing 92, lifting them to the summit of France’s Top 14.

Saffas Abroad: Pollard gives Tigers roar

Handre Pollard played an influential role in helping Leicester Tigers claim a derby victory, while fellow Springbok flyhalf Rob du Preez continued his superb form for Sale.