Saturday Round-upNew Zealand superstar Jonah Lomu's rugby comeback is underway, and the former All Blacks wing admitted: "It was almost a surreal experience." Lomu began his seven-month stint with Cardiff Blues by making a 60-minute appearance in the 25-10 Heineken Cup victory over Italian hosts and Pool Two strugglers Calvisano.
Although Lomu couldn't mark an eagerly awaited Blues debut by scoring a try, he still made an impact some 28 months after his last competitive appearance, having recovered from a kidney transplant and then shoulder surgery.
"It was just great to be out there again," he said. "I am just glad to have come through the 60 minutes without any injuries. It wasn't a premeditated move to come off after an hour, but the coaches had their plans and they have to stick to them. I was just pleased to be out there at all.
"I was fine the night before the game, but I did get a bit nervous five minutes before kick-off. It was like running out for my first game all over again - in fact, that's exactly what it was after 28 months since my last competitive match. Physically, I feel fine. I actually enjoy taking the knocks and being involved in a tough rugby game. But it was only my first game back, and I am taking things step by step."
Cardiff, despite never remotely hitting top gear, claimed a winning bonus point through tries from Welsh international quartet Robert Sidoli, Martyn Williams, Rhys Williams and Chris Czekaj.
Acting Bath coach Michael Foley believes Olly Barkley could provide an answer to England's quest for a midfield cutting edge after the unbeaten Pool Five leaders defeated resilient Recreation Ground visitors Glasgow 31-26. Barkley, playing at inside centre, created Michael Stephenson's first-half try after a sublime break and pass, suggesting England boss Andy Robinson could do a lot worse than hand him the number 12 jersey against opening Six Nations opponents Wales on February 4th.
"Olly is playing very good rugby around the field, and he could provide England with something interesting at 12," said Foley.
"He holds the inside defence for players on the outside, and someone like Michael Stephenson has got great timing to take advantage of that."
Foley also lavished praise on Welsh number eight Gareth Delve, who was instrumental in keeping Bath on the front foot during an entertaining encounter. "Gareth is an outstanding young player, and I am a big fan of his," he added.
Glasgow held Bath 23-23 at half-time, their Scottish international outhalf Dan Parks contributing 18 points, but wing Salesi Finau's 70th-minute try, following earlier scores from Stephenson, Frikkie Welsh and Michael Lipman, staved off a major upset.
"We are looking forward to the return fixture next Friday night, and it is not difficult to motivate these players at the moment," said Glasgow coach Hugh Campbell.
Frustrated Edinburgh coach Todd Blackadder admitted his side missed a golden opportunity as they lost 20-13 to Pool Six leaders and tournament favourites Toulouse at Murrayfield. The result effectively handed the Frenchmen a ticket to the quarter-finals - and all but snuffed out the Scots' hopes of progressing.
"It was definitely a game we could have won, but we didn't get the breaks at crucial moments. After a poor opening spell, we had enough territory and possession to earn a positive outcome," said Blackadder.
Stade Francais, meanwhile, dug deep to steal a crucial 16-12 away victory against French rivals Clermont Auvergne, who were without injured Welsh international outhalf Stephen Jones, in Pool Three.
