Leinster target Louis Koen became the leading points scorer in this season's Super 12 when he contributed 16 points as South Africa's Cats beat the Aukland Blues 26-23 in the Northland Stadium in Whangarei on Friday night. It marked the first time in 22 Super 12 matches that the Cats have been successful outside of South Africa.
Koen had entered the game two points behind Australian international and New South Wales Waratahs full back Matt Burke in the overall standings. Burke missed the match against at ACT Brumbies with a hamstring strain and could be absent for a couple of weeks.
Koen kicked four penalties and two conversions (one from the touchline) including the match-winning penalty. His 16 points took his tally to 118 for the season in eight matches - 14 ahead of Burke - at an average of 14.75 per game. It represents mixed news for Leinster coach Matt Williams as the Cats could now earn a play-off place which would delay any negotiations with the player. Koen has already sought an early release from his contract, officially due to expire in October. Williams is chasing a playmaker to maximise the ability of the Leinster three quarter-line.
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