Weekend Rugby Wrap: 6 Talking Points

The All Blacks kicked off the final Test window of the year in the USA when they took on Gary Gold’s men. Apart from this precursor to the Test period, there was domestic rugby in England and the United Rugby Championship. Bet Central looks at what stood out from the rugby this past weekend.

South African Franchises Can’t Buy a Win

The United Rugby Championship has produced a plethora of good matches, but for the South African franchises, only 1 out of 8 has ended in victory when the Lions beat Zebre in the first round. It is hardly a reason to sound out the alarm bells, but it is frustrating nonetheless.

The adjustment to the Northern Hemisphere conditions will take time, but one hopes that the victories will start coming in as the teams play more in the competition.

All Blacks put on a try-scoring show

The All Blacks were once again in clinical mode as they thrashed the USA Eagles 104-14. It was more a game that resembled a practice match than an actual competitive Test match. 

It underlined the clinical nature of the All Blacks, as far as capitalizing on opposition errors is a concern, the New Zealanders are the golden standard and it looks they will be for the foreseeable future as well – they proved it in the USA.

Courtnall Skosan magic inspires Saints

Very much a forgotten man in South African rugby circles, Skosan recently moved to the Northampton Saints and on Friday finally made his debut and he couldn’t have asked for a better debut.

Skosan managed to bag a hattrick of tries and propel the Saints to a win against Worcester Warriors and become the first player to score a hat-trick on debut in the Gallagher Premiership in 14 years, it was certainly a resounding way to introduce himself at Franklin Gardens.

Leicester tigers march on

The resurgence and return to the form of George Ford have coincided with the scintillating start to the 2021/2022 Premiership season by the Leicester Tigers.

Currently on a 6-game winning streak after beating the Sale Sharks, it does not look like their moving train will be stopped anytime soon more especially with George Ford available throughout the Test window after being omitted from the England squad.

Max Malins scoring hattricks for fun

Talented Saracens fullback Max Malins scored 4 tries as the Sarries romped to a resounding 56-15 win against the Wasps proving once again why he is now amongst the front runners for the England no.15 jersey.

It was his 2nd hattrick in as many weeks and the 24-year-old seems to be relishing being back in top-flight domestic rugby with the Saracens. He is a player to watch this season.

Irish dominance runs into a speed bump

Before this past weekend, 3 Irish sides had beaten all comers in URC, but surprise wins from Ospreys and Connacht against Munster and Ulster respectively meant only Leinster remain undefeated amongst the Irish big 3.

The performances of all 3 sides have been so strong, one would be inclined to think that these defeats are merely speedbumps in the road and all 3 teams will be strong contenders for the title especially the defending champions Leinster.

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