Champions Cup round-up: Northampton declare bonus factors as Exeter crushed by Sharks in South Africa | Rugby union information

A roundup of motion from Saturday's Investec Champions Cup, the place Northampton opened with a bonus level win over Castres and Exeter had been crushed by the Sharks in South Africa.

Northampton 38-8 Castres

The Gallagher Premiership champions rapidly got here out of the blocks at Franklin's Gardens to guide due to captain Fraser Dingwall's attempt, however Castres lowered the deficit with a Louis le Brun penalty as Storm Darragh made life tough within the East Midlands.

The Saints had been firmly in management when Temo Mayanavanua galloped over and Tommy Freeman threw a large move for Juarno Augustus to take the nook, whereas Curtis Langdon earned the bonus level earlier than quantity eight Augustus claimed a second.

Pierre Colonna touched down to provide Castres some braveness, however Henry Pollock accomplished a formidable Saints show with a powerful solo end.

The Saints' subsequent Problem Cup mission is in South Africa subsequent Saturday with a visit to the southern hemisphere to face the Bulls.

Sharks 39-21 Exeter Chiefs

Chiefs took an early lead via Dan Frost's attempt after they had been right down to 14 – with Greg Fisilau within the bin, just for the Problem Cup holders to take management of 4 themselves crossings.

Phepsi Buthelezi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams and Siya Kolisi mixed for the Sharks, whereas Frost scored a second late within the first half to depart the guests trailing 26-14 on the break.

Kolisi's second attempt elevated the Sharks' lead earlier than England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso claimed a cross kick for Exeter's third rating.

Though the Sharks had been lowered to 12 males for round six minutes later with three gamers despatched to the bin in succession, Exeter had been unable to attain a fourth try to file a bonus level.

What else occurred on the Champions Cup?

ASM Clermont Auvergne blanked Benetton in a 28-0 victory on the Stade Marcel-Michelin, with Peceli Yato and Barnabe Massa each crossing twice and Benjamin Urdapilleta changing all 4 tries.

Toulon overcame a 14-10 interval deficit to file a formidable 24-14 victory over the Stormers. Gabin Villière, Facundo Isa and Baptiste Serin crossed for the French guests, whereas Warrick Gelant and Joseph Dweba scored tries for the South African hosts.

Lyon 37-26 Cardiff Rugby

Cardiff needed to accept a bonus level after beginning their European Problem Cup marketing campaign with an exhilarating 37-26 defeat at Lyon.

Matt Sherratt's aspect staged a robust second-half comeback as tries from Ellis Bevan and Gabriel Hamer-Webb gave them hope of an inconceivable victory, however the French aspect responded nicely within the closing steps.

A fast response from Esteban Gonzalez, coupled with two penalties from Martin Meliande, ended the guests' hopes.

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