Monday’s Rugby Information – 21/3/22
Welcome to a barely delayed Monday Information, GAGRs. Firstly, apologies for my tardiness with occasions exterior of my management. All good although! Secondly, what an intriguing weekend of rugby we noticed. From the Brumbies v Reds conflict to the Ities giving the Taffs a loss in Cardiff, all of it was tremendous pleasant! I used to be shocked with a Wallabies squad announcement (did anybody find out about this being introduced?!) and a few outcomes from across the globe. Completely satisfied Monday, y’all!
SUPER RUGBY ROUND…. I don’t even know now with the Spicy Cough fucking issues up…
A chaotic finish to final week noticed a 3rd of the video games rubbed out prior to shut of play on Friday. (Un)fortuitously for Moana Pasifika, their recreation was not one thus affected. We begin our wrap on Friday night time within the Nation’s Arsehole Capital, Canberra, for the Ponies v Reds:
Brumbies v Reds – Nicely, this was definitely an fascinating recreation. The grudges had been clear and apparent for all to see, in all probability to the detriment of the particular rugby being performed. No matter rugby was on was affected by groups committing a ridiculous variety of offences at set piece and usually play. While I do perceive the criticisms of the match officers (I daresay it’ll be an fascinating assessment session), the truth is that most of the penalties had been brought on by participant choices. I mentioned this within the feedback final week: as a diehard Ponies fan, even I’m not color blind sufficient to know that they’re probably the most cynical staff in Tremendous Rugby. Sadly, they do win video games this fashion which solely encourages them additional.
The match itself contained ferocious defence and each aspect unwilling to permit the opposition to play with any house. This itself, mockingly, bodes fairly properly for a world season with these groups making up the majority of the squad. It’s shithouse rugby at occasions; nonetheless, this ruthlessness is strictly what the nationwide aspect has been missing in earlier seasons (even a little bit bit final 12 months at occasions).
Even then, there have been some moments of magic and considerate rugby. I liked the scrumptious irony of a Brumbies attempt by way of a neat grubber kick from Simone (VASTLY underrated) and a few arduous tackling work from Jahrome Brown. The Reds’ Harry Wilson regarded loads higher than he has for some time and Seru Uru performed the home down. Curiously, the groups had been largely well-matched throughout the paddock which stored many different gamers quiet. I felt that the Brumbies scrum shat on the Reds (regardless of the PK rely) and Nick Frost confirmed precisely why Dan McKellar misplaced his collective shit when he signed up for Japanese rugby. Luke Reimer might be on the tip of some passing abilities after his shocker in not releasing Mogg for an all-but-certain attempt to successfully finish the sport. Whoops! Brumbies 16 – Reds 12
** addenda – Nela has been cited for his cleanout on Jahrome Brown. Judiciary consequence to return.
Power v Drua – Nicely, this was one other fascinating match that went all the way down to the wire. There have been trademark massive hits and a few beautiful ‘heads up rugby’ runs from the Drua; nonetheless, it appeared that their set piece cruelly allow them to down at essential moments. Lastly for the Power, they had been in a position to win a decent recreation, albeit with a clutch kick from Kuenzle after the siren; a win’s a win although! Power 20 – Drua 18
Waratahs v Rebels – The Tahs have gained back-to-back matches for the primary time since 2019 with a defeat of the Rebels on the SCG. In one other recreation the place rugby abilities in all probability weren’t the spotlight, the Tahs discovered a approach to win towards a Rebels aspect who, arguably, performed their greatest match of the season. Either side tried to forge forward, solely to permit their opposition again into the sport – coach killing! In the long run, the younger Tahs are displaying what an skilled coach can do for a younger aspect while the stress absolutely mounts on Kevin Foote. That being mentioned, the emotion from Carter Gordon post-match demonstrates that there’s nonetheless the need despite the difficultly of their season. Tahs 24 – Rebels 19
Chiefs v Moana Pasifika – Nicely, as a lot as the brand new children on the block wished to get recreation time, they’ve felt the wrath of the Chiefs at Mt Good Stadium in Auckland. With a 58-42% possession stat and the same quantity of territory, the boys from the Waikato caught to their recreation plan and got here away with a complete victory. Pita Gus Sowakula, particularly, continued his wealthy vein of kind – I’d be amazed if he isn’t picked up by the Fijian nationwide aspect later this season. Though Moana have proven glimpsed of enchancment, a horror begin to their Tremendous Rugby Pacific journey by advantage of the Spicy Cough will undoubtedly be powerful to beat. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t put a win over the Rebels out of sight! Chiefs 59 – Moana Pasifika 12
SIX NATIONS – ROUND FIVE
France v England – Nicely, the screws should definitely be on Eddie Jones now, although the Calamity in Cardiff spared the SDs a consecutive fifth putting with a 3rd place end, albeit by factors differential. In a match that France appeared afraid of shedding and an English aspect with nothing a lot to achieve apart from pleasure, it was an honest ending to a charming Six Nations. Antoine Dupont demonstrated repeatedly how vital a participant he’s for the French with some glorious recreation administration and taking of alternatives. Shaun Edwards’ defensive prowess is definitely the envy of his residence nation, too! Credit score to the SDs for staying within the recreation; nonetheless, some fairly shitty alternatives throughout the park converse of the stress on Jones. It’ll definitely be fascinating to see if the RFU have the cojones so punt him (and, in that case, whom shall he get replaced by?).
Exterior of the match, I loved this quote by Robert Kitson of the Guardian: “There have been some thumping French grand slam victories however by no means one which has rippled so ominously all over the world. Not for a dozen years have France claimed a Six Nations clear sweep however in some ways the dazzling fantastic thing about this one lies in what may nonetheless lie forward. On this proof anybody else planning to win subsequent 12 months’s Rugby World Cup goes to be disillusioned.” Hear, hear. They completely need to be (one in all) the favourites for RWC 2023. France 25 – England 13
Eire v Scotland – Eire completed their 2022 marketing campaign with a complete Triple Crown victory over Scotland in Dublin. The Irish have regarded in fairly respectable knick and should be contemplating themselves contenders to make the semis in 2023 (gasp!). One of many standout gamers, though not on many fan’s radars, was Josh van der Flier. He has added a ballplaying factor to his robust tackling recreation which has quick made him a useful participant within the Irish pack. Scotland, lacking a few of their prime expertise, had been in a distinct class to the Irish. They actually should kind their personnel (and their points) out earlier than their 2023 is over earlier than it begins! Eire 26 – Scotland 5
Italy v Wales – HAHAHAHA! Oh my days. I don’t suppose anybody would’ve seen (or tipped) that consequence. Merely, the Welsh performed like shite and the Italians discovered a approach to win by taking part in respectable rugby. In doing so, they’ve damaged a seven 12 months, 36 recreation shedding streak. After the successful conversion, you possibly can see what it meant to a largely younger Italian aspect. They may not win a lot; however their ardour for the sport and their nation can’t be denied. Forza Italia! Italy 22 – Wales 21
I did should snicker on the attempt scored by Italy to all however win the sport. When you watch within the background, Ross Moriarty offers the Italian participant an honest push within the again which mockingly propels him into a greater place to attain. “Play dumb video games and win dumb prizes” and “karma is a bitch”.
SUPER W and SUPER AUPIKI
Fijiana v Power – The Flying Fijian girls gave the Power a hiding they gained’t quickly neglect with a forty five – 17 victory at Leichardt Oval. Exhausting, quick and ferocious are positively the three adjectives I’d use to explain the Fijiana, who ran out to a forty five – 0 lead. The Power, to their credit score, had been in a position to claw again to a barely extra respectable consequence with some late tries. A blockbuster match-up subsequent weekend between Fijiana and the Waratahs looms… I can’t wait!
Brumbies v Reds – A cracking recreation of footy between the Reds and Brumbies with the Queenslanders coming away with a decent victory, proving that the Brumbies are positively higher than their outcomes have recommended. The Reds solely pinched the lead late when ferocious prop Patu, having already discovered the road as soon as, burst her approach via the Brumbies’ defence and scored within the 73rd minute to interrupt a 10-10 impasse and safe the successful margin. Reds 15 – Brumbies 10
Waratahs v Rebels – The Waratahs continued their now 21 recreation successful streak with a complete victory over a hapless Rebels aspect on the SCG. Mahalia Murphy scored an unbelievable FIVE tries within the rout with Tatum Fowl scoring a brace. Tahs 67 – Rebels 10
The Tahs are constructing one thing particular with their prop forwards, too…
Chiefs Manawa v Blues – The Manawa grew to become the inaugural Tremendous Rugby Aupiki champions with a 35 – 0 thrashing of the Blues within the “remaining”. Two items of cheese handed to the Blues gave the Manawa the flexibility to tug away with a powerful victory. There was loads to love about this recreation, with massive hits and fast runs on present because the Black Ferns had been properly represented on-field.
Nicely executed to all groups taking part in a event over a mere ten days with a purpose to get the video games executed, significantly in a difficult surroundings and residing in a bubble in Taupo.
Wallabies Squad Introduced
This got here utterly out of the blue for me as I had no concept it was coming… Disgrace on me and my ‘journalism’! Ha!
A mixed 25 gamers from the Ponies and the Reds is a good reflection on the groups; 10 Tahs appears a wee bit excessive, although I’d count on that a couple of could also be trimmed. I’m going to depart it to the feedback to debate inclusion/exclusions.
The complete squad for the approaching matches towards the SDs:
WALLABIES SQUAD: Allan Alaalatoa (53 Checks), Tom Banks (19 Checks), Angus Bell (16 Checks), Jock Campbell (uncapped), Ben Donaldson (uncapped), Folau Fainga’a (25 Checks), Lalakai Foketi (1 Check), Nick Frost (uncapped), Jake Gordon (10 Checks), Reece Hodge (54 Checks), Michael Hooper (118 Checks), Jed Holloway (uncapped), Len Ikitau (13 Checks), Harry Johnson-Holmes (1 Check), Feleti Kaitu’u (3 Checks), Andrew Kellaway (13 Checks), Rob Leota (6 Checks), Noah Lolesio (9 Checks), Lachlan Lonergan (4 Checks), Ryan Lonergan (uncapped), Tate McDermott (15 Checks), Fraser McReight (2 Checks), Cadeyrn Neville (uncapped), James O’Connor (61 Checks), Hunter Paisami (15 Checks), Izaia Perese (2 Checks), Jordan Petaia (16 Checks), Matt Philip (20 Checks), David Porecki (uncapped), Toni Pulu (uncapped), Izack Rodda (34 Checks), Pete Samu (19 Checks), James Slipper (114 Checks), Darcy Swain (10 Checks), Lachlan Swinton (7 Checks), Taniela Tupou (38 Checks), Rob Valetini (18 Checks), Nic White (47 Checks), Harry Wilson (10 Checks), Tom Wright (10 Checks)
New Zealand in Mourning
The All Blacks have slipped to THIRD within the World Rugby Rankings.
*Wallabies followers snicker in sixth*
- South Africa
- France
- NZ
- Eire
- England
- Australia
- Scotland
- Argentina
- Wales
- Japan
- Fiji
- Samoa
- Georgia
- Italy
- Spain
- Tonga
- Romaina
- USA
- Uruguay
- Portugal
Righto, People. Completely satisfied Monday!
CM
