The British & Lions ran all over the Barbarians in a 59-8 win to begin their quadrennial tour. In hot and humid conditions in Hong Kong the Lions imposed their will early on a disorganized and outmatch Barbarians team. Owen Farrell got things going early with two penalties in the first twenty minutes. Elliot Daly managed to boot one for the Barbarians to keep it close but tries from Paul O'Connell and Mike Phillips before the half opened things up. Phillips then scored shortly after the half to increase the lead. Jonathan Davies, Dan Lydiate, and Alun-Wyn Jones each had tries for the Lions while Alex Cuthbert had two. Kahn Fotuali'i scored for the Barbarians.
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Down in South America, England also started their tour off well with a 41-21 win over a Consur XV side in Montevideo. Ben Foden had two tries for England while Billy Vunipola had three. Tom Wood and Paul Doran Jones also scored. Lastly in international scores, Fiji topped Japan 22-8 in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Top 14
Clermont and Toulon dominated the Top 14 season but when it counted neither could overcome Castres, who beat both teams to claim the Top 14 title. In the final on Saturday it was the Rory Kockett show as he scored Castres only try shortly before half and kicked two penalties. Remi Tales had two drop goals. Delon Armitage scored for Toulon but it came in the 80th minute. Jonny Wilkinson hit three penalties.
Super Rugby
The Bulls beat the Cheetahs 30-25 to create breathing room in South Africa. Each team scored three tries but the Bulls through Morne Steyn were able to convert all of theirs as well as hit a penalty to get the win. The Hurricanes got only their second win of the season after they beat the Blues and score-fest. Ben Smith had two tries for the Highlanders who did all of their scoring in the first half. The Blues had a second half comeback but it was too little too late. The Stormers used a match against the Southern Kings to get their season back on track. They won 19-11. A late penalty from Dan Carter helped the Crusaders edge the Waratahs 23-22. Christian Lealiifano hit six penalties to help the Brumbies beat the Hurricans 30-23. Lastly, the Reds beat the Rebels 33-20. Click here to see the full standings.