Premiership Rugby

Season Review: South African Clubs Off To A Flyer In Round 1

Season Review: South African Clubs Off To A Flyer In Round 1

Following the conclusion of the 2022-2023 Heineken Champions Cup, we’re taking a look at the highlights of each round, kicking off things off with Round 1.

Jun 5, 2023 by RugbyPass
Season Review: South African Clubs Off To A Flyer In Round 1

Following the conclusion of the 2022-2023 Heineken Champions Cup, we’re taking a look back at the highlights of each round, kicking off things off with Round 1 at the start of December.

Two of the three South Africans debuting in the Heineken Champions Cup secured victories on the opening weekend, as Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls scored a combined 11 tries.

Cell C Sharks crossed five times in Durban and came out 39-31 winners in a thriller against Harlequins, while the Vodacom Bulls edged Lyon 42-36, thanks to their six scores in Pretoria.

There was no such luck for DHL Stormers in their maiden Heineken Champions Cup game, as they played away in France for the first time, succumbing 24-14 at the hands of ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Elsewhere, there were statement wins for eventual finalists Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais, who romped to respective victories away at Racing 92 (42-10) and at home to Northampton Saints (46-12).



Stade Toulousain edged Munster Rugby 18-13 in a heavyweight tussle at a foggy Thomond Park, while the Sale Sharks stunned Ulster Rugby with a 39-0 drubbing at the AJ Bell Stadium.


There were battling wins on the road for the Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers, as they took down Castres Olympique (27-12) and Ospreys (23-17), respectively, while Saracens scraped to a 30-26 success over Edinburgh Rugby in an entertaining duel at the StoneX Stadium.

London Irish’s return to the Heineken Champions Cup ended in a home loss to Montpellier Hérault Rugby, after Agustin Creevy was sent off in the first half.

Gloucester Rugby’s comeback game in EPCR’s elite competition was more prosperous, as they recorded from 12 points down at halftime to secure a vital home win over Union Bordeaux-Bègles.