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Weekend Round-up: An Easter feast of tries
By RugbyPass
Quins and Chiefs put on an entertaining eight-try romp at the Stoop while the Chiefs' tour of South Africa continued in rollicking fashion against the Cheetahs – catch up on these games and the best from the Top 14 and Pro12.
Premiership: Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs
More than 10 minutes into this game, Exeter – who were chasing a record-equally sixth consecutive five-pointer – had a lineout deep in their own half. More observant viewers may have noticed this was just the third stoppage of a lung-busting opening period. The first stoppage was a try some eight minutes earlier. The second, a penalty. This late-season eight-try Premiership thriller – a must-win for the hosts if their top four challenge was to stay on course – continued in the same non-stop manner pretty much until referee Wayne Barnes blew the final whistle.
Super Rugby: Cheetahs vs Chiefs
Can we make the Chiefs stay in South Africa forever? For the second week in a row, the New Zealanders played their part in a wildly entertaining game of rugby in the Republic, this time against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. This was meant to be easier than last week's clash against the Stormers, but no one told the Cheetahs – the home side racing to a 24-0 lead in as many minutes. But if there's an upside to going 24-0 down in the first half it's that there's still plenty of time to launch a comeback.
Top 14: Lyon vs La Rochelle
This had all the makings of a tense encounter – but few could have predicted how tense it would be. The top-of-the-table visitors headed to Stade Matmut Gerland looking to maintain an unbeaten run in the Top 14 stretching back to November 19. But their hosts have rediscovered some devil in recent weeks, and had won on the road for the first time this season a week previously. What followed was an eight-try epic as two mighty packs crashed into one another from the first minute until the last.
Pro 12: Connacht vs Leinster
The league leaders rolled the dice and took a much-changed team west to the home of the defending champions for the Pro 12's traditional Easter derby weekend. At stake for the visitors, a home semifinal in the end-of-season playoffs. For the hosts, it was win or bust, as they looked to keep their top six hopes alive. But Leinster had an extra concern – next weekend, they're in France for the European Champions Cup semi-final against Clermont, so head coach Leo Cullen decided to rest key players. But could Leinster's second-string do a job?
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Latest Comments
In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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