Some well-performed New Zealanders will not be featuring in the playoffs of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions as European club rugby enters the knock-out stages.
Nick Evans, notably, made a man of the match return from injury, slotting back into his customary No 10 jersey with six conversions in Harlequins' 47-19 hiding of Castres in the European Champions Cup. It was not, however, enough to push the English club into the quarter-finals, as the Quins placed third in Pool 2.
Montpellier, with Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake and Tom Donnelly in the starting XV, dashed Toulouse's hopes of playoffs action 27-26.
Fullback Jayden Hayward kicked three crucial goals as his Treviso side recorded their first win at this level in two seasons, largely thanks to a late penalty try for a 23-20 scoreline over Ospreys.Munster crushed Sale 65-10, for whom former Counties Manukau and North Harbour No 8 Viliami Fihaki played.
Clermont, featuring Fritz Lee and Zac Guildford, sealed a home quarter-final against Northampton with an 18-6 victory over Saracens.
Bath do advance, edging Sean Maitland's Glasgow 20-15, while Northampton's Kiwi contingent of James Wilson, Ken and George Pisi and Kahn Fotuali'i did it tough in a 32-8 defeat to Racing-Metro, who also advance to the quarters.
Toulon, with Carl Hayman and Chris Masoe in their pack, beat Wayne Pivac's Scarlets 26-3. The defending champs will meet Wasps, who drew 20-20 with Leinster.
In the second tier European Challenge Cup, John Afoa's Gloucester remained unbeaten with a 31-20 result over Brive. Coach Pat Lam and his large Kiwi-Connacht contingent are through to the quarters after a 30-20 win over La Rochelle.
The quarter-finals in both competitions will take place at Easter.
