It’s time for our Monday roundup of who has their name in lights and who has made news for all the wrong reasons over the weekend.
They’re on fire!
Sold-out Loftus Versfeld: South African supporters did their share this weekend by filling the historic Loftus Versfeld for the country’s biggest game, the North-South derby. Even though the weather delayed the start, the passion and energy in the soaking wet stands remained strong, and the Bulls did an excellent job of harnessing it. The hosts put on a stunning display, defeating the Stormers 40-22 to halt a seven-match losing record against the Capetonians. It provides the Bulls with some much-needed momentum as the season nears its conclusion.
Hoskins Sotutu shines: The Blues star’s skill set was recently compared to that of the legendary Zinzan Brooke, and it has already shown in the Super Rugby Pacific season. In a genuinely dominant display against the Highlanders, the All Black scored three tries and assisted on another. He will convey a message to Scott Robertson about his All Black credentials over the next four years.
Waratahs: That was a fantastic result for the Australian team. Given New Zealand’s previous domination over their trans-Tasman opponents, the Waratahs’ comfortable 37-24 victory over the Crusaders is particularly impressive. The ‘Tahs were outstanding throughout, reacting admirably to last weekend’s disappointing Super Rugby start and easily defeating the reigning champions. It will significantly enhance all Australian franchises in the coming weeks.
Damian McKenzie shines again: The playmaker seized the opportunity to wear the All Blacks 10 shirt after Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett (temporarily) left for Japan. McKenzie was on fire for the Chiefs in the Super Round, defeating the Brumbies 46-12. He looked explosive throughout the game and was rewarded with a beautiful try. He is far and by the most in-form fly-half in New Zealand, and he is expected to start in that position in July.
Sir Ian McGeechan, a legendary rugby mind, is ready to return to the game as a mentor and advisor to Doncaster RFC head coach Joe Ford, brother of England fly-half George. The former British and Lions head coach commanded the legendary side on four different tours, adding to his expertise as an assistant. It’s fantastic to see the great man back in rugby.
Irish provinces sweep: Ireland’s domination is not limited to the Six Nations, as all four Irish provinces won this weekend’s United Rugby Championship. Ulster scored 49 points against the Dragons despite recently parting relations with former head coach Dan McFarland. Leinster remains at the top of the table, but the other three teams are all in playoff contention, demonstrating their quality.
Crusaders 0–2: The transition out of the hugely successful Scott Robertson era was always going to be extremely difficult, and it is already showing with the illustrious side being winless in the first two games. Key injuries, including superstar back Will Jordan, who is out for the entire Super Rugby Pacific campaign, have exacerbated Rob Penney’s troubles. Of course, the season is still in its early stages, but anxieties in Christchurch will be building, and with a challenging trip to the Fijian Drua coming up, a win is critical.
Nightmare Jordie Barrett tackle: It was a significant occasion for the versatile All Black, who made his 100th Super Round appearance with the Hurricanes. These types of milestones should be marked by moments of greatness, but Barrett was sent off on the hour mark for a horrific tackle on Jordan Petaia. There was no dispute about the decision because it was a bad hit.
Scotland’s Six Nations campaign has been dealt a major setback as standout centre Sione Tuipulotu and wing Darcy Graham were both sidelined for extended periods of time. Tuipulotu’s absence disrupts the Scots’ fan-favourite ‘Huwipulotu’ centre combo, which has proven so effective, and some alternatives must be found. Graham’s absence, however, will be simpler to manage given Scotland’s depth on the wing.
Sharks lose again: As if things couldn’t get much worse for the Durban side, they face a noisy and passionate Lions team in Johannesburg, who have completed the league double this season. Earlier in the season, the Sharks came up short at home, losing 20-18 to their opponents, but this time they were thoroughly defeated 40-10 on the day. One win from 11 is cruel for a team of that level, raising the question of when heads will roll for the exceedingly dismal performance.
Rude’ Bongi Mbonambi: Speaking of the Sharks, their skipper did not come out of Saturday’s game well after speaking with referee Aimee Barrett-Theron. The Springboks hooker was upset that a try had been denied shortly before halftime, but the manner he responded to the official was horrible. Barrett-Theron handled the situation admirably and garnered a lot of acclaim as a result. How about Mbonambi? He was labeled ‘rude’ and ‘petulant’, and we have to agree.
