Kiwis in Europe: NZ players come up big

Dan Carter had another strong game for Racing-Metro. Photo / Ap

New Zealanders are coming up with big plays in Europe to help their clubs out of tight situations.

In England's Aviva Premiership, former Chiefs, Auckland and Tasman wing Bryce Heem's try was crucial in helping his Worcester Warriors edge Nili Latu's Newcastle 15-14 to stay in 10th position and clear of the relegation zone.

A five-pointer to former Highlanders loose forward TJ Ioane, something of a tryscoring specialist, helped his Sale Sharks to a 29-23 win over Harlequins, despite five goals from Ben Botica for the vanquished.

Gloucester, with John Afoa and Jeremy Thrush in the pack, beat Wasps 13-10. Jimmy Gopperth kicked two goals for Wasps, while the Piutau brothers again combined in midfield. The Leicester trio of Telusa Veainu, Mike FitzGerald and Jono Kitto celebrated a 31-27 win over Exeter. Sean Maitland's London Irish fell 25-17 to Bath, while the Pisi brothers - George and Ken - had the satisfaction of seeing their Northampton Saints toppling the leaders Saracens 20-15.

In the Guinness PRO12, tries to Jake Heenan and Bundee Aki were central to the Irish club staying top of the table via a 28-23 away win in Edinburgh. Tom McCartney and Nathan White also started for Pat Lam's men.

Francis Saili's Munster beat Nick Crosswell's Dragons 26-5 and Leinster, with Isa Nacewa and Hayden Triggs in the squad, edged Ma'afu Fia's Ospreys 19-16.

Two goals by fullback Jayden Hayward were not enough as Treviso went down 24-15 to Scarlets, who again had Michael Collins (15), Regan King (13) and Hadleigh Parkes (12) in their backline.

No 8 Nick Williams scored two tries as his Ulster shut out Mils Muliaina's Zebre 32-0.

Glasgow defeated Cardiff Blues, with Jarrad Hoeata and Rey Lee-Lo, 27-20.

In the French Top 14, a try to Joe Rokocoko and five goals to Dan Carter saw Racing-Metro back to the top of the table with a 38-13 win over Agen. Ben Tameifuna came off the bench but was yellow-carded, though the Chiefs could do with him about now. George Tilsley scored Agen's sole try.

La Rochelle, who fielded Romana Graham and Hikairo Forbes, sprung a surprise in beating Toulon 19-14. Tom Taylor scored a late try for the latter.

Another late try by another former All Blacks No 10, Luke McAlister, enabled Toulouse to get up for a 21-21 draw with Brive.

Peter Saili scored a try and replacement Simon Hickey a conversion as Bordeaux-Begles moved into fourth position with a 48-20 shellacking of Oyonnax.

Pau eased clear of relegation with a 19-12 win over defending champion Stade Francais, Colin Slade slotting a penalty goal. Conrad Smith (13) and Daniel Ramsay (5) both started for Pau.

Grenoble, despite a brace to No 8 Rory Grice, were hammered 45-12 by Clermont, who had Isaia Toeava and Fritz Lee in their ranks.