De Allende underlines his world class status in Champions Cup, Faf's tackling punished again

South African players' influence in this weekend's European Champions Cup round of 16 second legs was vast and varied.

It was Damian de Allende, however, who stole the show as he once again showcased why he's arguably the best inside centre in world rugby in guiding Munster to a 26-10 (34-23 on aggregate) victory over Exeter.

The 31-year-old class act sealed the deal with a cracking try over in the corner when Simon Zebo's magnificent off-load on the inside found him.

It was no less than De Allende deserved for his all-round performance, gaining 24 running metres from his 5 carries - which included a line-break - and proving absolutely impenetrable in midfield in completing 17 tackles.

He and centre partner Chris Farrell, in fact, combined for an incredible 35 tackles between them as Johann van Graan's troops could reflect on a defensive masterclass.

For the Chiefs, Jacques Vermeulen started at No 8 and scored their only try.

Former Bull Hanro Liebenberg delivered a similarly compelling showing in Leicester's 27-17 (56-27 on aggregate) win over Clermont, proving a menacing ball-carrier and scoring the opening try before defending with real heart.

There was massive heartache for Andre Esterhuizen and Harlequins as England flyhalf Marcus Smith missed a point-blank penalty that would've seen them progress to the quarterfinals at the expense of Montpellier.

The English club won 33-20, but the spurned two-pointer meant their French opponents went through on a 60-59 aggregate.

Esterhuizen was solid at inside centre, standing tall as carrier and proving a reliable defender.

He also made two turnovers.

In hindsight, Montpellier had Handre Pollard - who started at No 12 - to thank for a second half penalty that gave them their fortunate but