Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Takeaways

There was a bit of magic, a bit of drama, a bit of controversy – basically a bit of everything throughout an entertaining weekend of . Bet Central dissects five points of interest from this weekend.

Argentinean Hooking Depth

In a Friday night between London Irish and Gloucester, there was an intriguing battle of Argentines with both teams fielding a number of Los Pumas internationals. It was particularly tasty at hooker where London Irish veteran Gus Creevy squared up against fellow countryman Santiago Socino.

Both of them were good, particularly Socino who was excellent at the set-piece and at the back of the maul. There aren’t many countries that can field any of three excellent hookers. Argentina can do so with these two hookers and the classy Julian Montoya.

Health Scares Disrupt URC

For touring sides Glasgow Warriors and Ulster, it was a horrid week marred by health issues that ultimately meant both teams couldn’t take to the field for their games against the Lions and Sharks respectively.

Both teams were dealing with a gastric virus that swept across the backroom staff and the playing personnel. Thus both games had to be postponed as they continue to be under medical observation.

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Stormers Stopped In The Tracks

The defending champions were on a 15-game unbeaten run going into this past weekend. While the Stormers looked to maintain their unbeaten run, the Cardiff Blues had other plans as they edged the Stormers.

The Stormers looked like a side missing their primary ball carrier with Evan Roos, not in action. There are other key backline players who are missing for the Stormers and it is evident as they are struggling to find the fluidity of the previous season.

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England Ladies Far Too Good For Boks Women

The Springboks ladies’ side has won over a lot of people over the course of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand due to the massive potential they have shown as a team despite falling short in their 1st 2 games.

They fell short again against tournament favourites England on Sunday, the English beat the Springboks by a massive margin walloping Stanley Raubenheimer’s side 75-0. One could hardly fault the effort of the Bok women, they simply came up against a side that was too good for them.

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Marcus Smith Masterclass

One wonders why Eddie Jones would pursue Sacha Mngomezulu for his English side when he has the outrageous talents of Marcus Smith at his disposal. Perhaps a case of 2 is better than 1? One never knows.

Marcus Smith was at his sparkling best on Sunday at the AJ Bell Stadium as he inspired Harlequins to a win against Sale Sharks ending their 5-game unbeaten spell. He scored 24 of Quins’ 29 points and put in one of the most audacious grubbers for a sensational try. He is in a rich vein of form going into the end-of-year Test window.