Nohamba stars with 24-point haul

Scrum-half Nohamba was the hero as Emirates Lions clinched a 29-25 win at Heineken Champions Cup counterparts Vodacom Bulls in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

The 24-year-old, who has featured twice so far in the South African side’s maiden EPCR Challenge Cup campaign, amassed 24 points as he crossed for a try and kicked five penalties and two conversions.

Edwill van der Merwe grabbed Emirates Lions’ other try – he will be looking to add to the three scores he notched in the EPCR Challenge Cup pool stage in the Round of 16, an encounter with Racing 92 on April 1.

Connacht scrape victory at Dragons

Elsewhere in the URC, Connacht Rugby saw off fellow EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 contenders Dragons RFC 22-20 in Newport.

The Welsh region were reduced to 14 men when Matthew Screech was sent off for a high tackle, but led 20-10 thanks to a try apiece from Aaron Wainwright and Jarred Rosser, plus 10 points from the boot of Will Reed.

Connacht, who had responded to Dragons’ first score through a Cian Prendergast effort, eventually snatched victory as Jarrad Butler and Dave Heffernan crossed, and Jack Carty slotted seven points from the tee.

English duo help Benetton win in Wales

Benetton Rugby underlined their credentials ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup knockout stage as they recorded a 21-20 win at Ospreys in the URC.

English fly-half Jacob Umaga nudged over 11 points for the Italian outfit, with his compatriot Marcus Watson dotting down to add to Joaquin Riera’s score.

Benetton were 21-8 up at one stage but were clinging on until the final whistle, with a last-gasp drop-goal attempt from Ospreys failing to hit the target.

Toulon march to comfortable success

In the TOP 14, RC Toulon demonstrated why they are one of the favourites in the EPCR Challenge Cup as they breezed to a 37-9 win over Stade Français Paris at the Stade Félix Mayol.

Scores from Duncan Paia'aua, Cheslin Kolbe and Cornell du Preez, plus a penalty try and 15 points from Thomas Salles’ boot, did the business for the hosts. Joris Segonds hit three penalties in response for Stade Français.

We’ve wrapped up the best of Saturday’s domestic action involving EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 clubs, with Sanele Nohamba inspiring Emirates Lions to a stunning win at Vodacom Bulls.