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Weekend Round-Up: Who'll Rule Pool 1?
By Calum Henderson
Catch up on the best of the weekend’s games on Rugby Pass, including moving scenes at Thomond Park, a controversial call at Eden Park and some rare good weather at Westpac Stadium.
Champions Cup: Munster vs Glasgow
It would be an understatement to say it was an emotional day at Thomond Park as Munster fans packed out the stands to pay tribute to late coach and club legend Anthony Foley. On the field the sense of passion was palpable and the home side's intensity paid off almost immediately with Tyler Bleyendaal wriggling over for a try after 3 minutes. Jaco Taute then scored to make it 14-3 after just 15 minutes. But reduced to 14 men after winger Keith Earls saw red for a dangerous tackle five minutes later, it would take an even more inspired performance for Munster to hold on for the win.
Bledisloe Cup: New Zealand vs Australia
The final hit out for both sides before they embark on their Northern Hemisphere tours, and for the All Blacks a shot at the record for most consecutive wins by a tier 1 nation. After two early tries to Israel Dagg and Anthony Lienert-Brown inside the opening it looked like it could turn into a rout for the home side, but the Wallabies clawed their way back bravely and when Henry Speight crossed just after half time they had a chance to take the lead. Then the video referee had a word in Nigel Owens' ear – a controversial moment to say the least.
Mitre 10 Cup: Wellington vs North Harbour
Conditions at Westpac Stadium were unusually perfect for rugby on Saturday afternoon and it made for a hugely entertaining see-sawing Mitre 10 Cup Championship semifinal. North Harbour have been the surprise package of the competition, but with talent like Blues winger Tevita Li in their squad it was easy to see how they made it this far. The side haven't made a provincial final since 1993 – could they really defy the odds and break a 23-year drought against a strong Wellington side?
Champions Cup: Leicester vs Racing 92
Leicester were humbled by Glasgow in last week's opening round of the Champions Cup, just one of the reasons they were motivated for a big game against Racing 92 on Sunday. Another was last season's Champions Cup semifinal, in which the French side beat them by three points. Things got off to an ideal start with flanker Brendon O'Connor crossing the line within two minutes. They held that lead going into the break, but a converted Dan Carter try ten minutes after half time made it a one-point ballgame with half an hour to play.
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Latest Comments
This cracked media record of aligning success or failure on head coaches is remarkable. Using the crusaders past history as an example, a more sensible observation and analysis could be that the recent head coaches had inherited a extremely successful combination of players linked to their traditional historical support of the Canterbury people. That period ended this year when the new coach was introduced to virtually a new team. And in a year where other franchises have grown much stronger than their respective past, it was always an anticipated reality that the coach and his new crusader team were up against it. Therefore, I humbly believe that unlike some commentators present, I laud coach Penny and the team for their efforts to date and I am sure given another term and with Canterbury behind them they will be riding high once more. Strange all this coming from me who lives in Taupo and a one eyed chiefs supporter. Can't wait for all future chiefs and crusader games!
Go to commentsGrt bench player..keep him there..
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