Weekend Review

Weekend Review

After another massive weekend of worldwide rugby, we take a look back at some of the best action and biggest upsets from across the globe.

New Zealand vs South Africa

The corresponding fixture last year served up one of the best games of rugby in living memory, so expectations were high for another quality display. Unfortunately the weather had other ideas on the night, with rain and wind having a huge effect on both team’s styles of play.  The Boks led by just one point at half time, Cornell Hendricks with a try off an inside pass from Pollard being the decisive score. The second half was just as tight as the first, the pivotal moment coming when Cruden’s inch perfect cross field kick found Kieran Read, who off loaded to Richie McCaw for the crucial score in the corner. That left the Boks trailing by four with 15 minutes to go, and with conditions worsening the AB’s managed to hold on and close out the tight contest.

Australia vs Argentina

The Argentinians are most certainly getting closer to their maiden victory in the Rugby Championship, however it was not to be this weekend as Australia defeated them on Saturday in an entertaining contest in Queensland. After a first half full of running rugby the Aussies led 14-7, courtesy of the boot of Bernard Foley. The game was won by the home side in the period directly after half time, with Hooper and Betham crossing the line to push the score line out to 29-13 with 20 minutes to go. The visitors showed great character to keep going, and two tries in seven minutes saw them reel the Aussies in and trail 29-25 with ten minutes to go. The Argentinians pushed hard and got to within inches of the Aussie line and a winning score, but a knock on from replacement scrum half Tomas Cubelli at the base of the ruck ended the move, and the game as a contest. 

Leinster vs Scarlets

Reeling from last week’s opening day defeat to Glasgow, Leinster welcomed the Scarlets to the RDS with a point to prove. And prove it they did, flying out of the blocks on a day when all most everything went right for the defending Pro12 champions. The game was almost over as a contest by half time, with Kearney and Madigan in scintillating form, grabbing a try a piece. The bonus point looked to be secured on half time, Sean Cronin barreling over in the corner, but on inspection from the TMO, great work from Gareth Owen dislodged the ball from the Leinster hooker before he could ground it. The second half went similarly to the first, with the Irish province finding gaps out wide at will, Madigan rounding Scarlets flanker Shingler to score his sides fourth in the corner. Consolation did come for the visitors when with the last play of the game Scarlets lock Johan Snyman collected a chip through to put a slightly more respectable look on the score board. Elsewhere in the Pro12 Munster won away against Treviso, and the Ospreys sneaked past Dragons in the first Welsh derby of the season to lead the competition after 2 rounds. 

Stephen Beale