Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Takeaways

With the URC, Gallagher Premiership and European tournaments all wrapped up. The focus now turns to the Currie Cup and Super Rugby Pacific. Bet Central brings you 5 Takeaways from the two tournaments.

Playoff Spots Decided In Super Rugby

The playoff spots were decided this weekend in Super Rugby Pacific as the quarter-finalists were confirmed. Fijian Drua will contest the playoff stage of Super Rugby for the very 1st time – a historic feat for the Pacific Islands team.

The table-topping Chiefs will take on the Reds, while the Crusaders will take on Fijian Drua. The Blues will square up against the Waratahs at Eden Park and the last quarterfinal will be contested at GIO Stadium in Canberra with Brumbies taking on the Hurricanes.

Fijian Drua Are The Great Story Of 2023

The Drua have had a season to remember in 2023 and it all came together as they beat the Reds in Suva in an outstanding effort to confirm their very 1^st advancement to the quarterfinals. There have been so many standout players in the tournament.

Tex Ikanivere has emerged as one of the best hookers in the tournament this year, similarly, the rise of Iosefo Masi has been a revelation in the backline. The bench exploits of Kemu Valentini have also been exceptional. The Drua have scary potential and it is beginning to show as they gain more experience.

Moana Pasifika Finally Get The Win

After struggling the entire tournament, the Moana Pasifika finally got the elusive win they so desperately craved this season. It was an outstanding effort in Sydney as Pasifika came out 33-26 winners against the Waratahs. 

The experience of Christian Lealiafano came to the fore in a calm and composed showing at pivot, Miracle Fa’ilagi also had an outstanding shift at blindside and has had a solid season in the backrow. It wasn’t just individual performances that created the win, but also incredible team cohesion. It was definitely something to build on for Aaron Mauger’s team.  

Sharks, Cheetahs Secure Home Semis

They have been the tournament leaders throughout the Currie Cup season and it was no different in round 13, Cheetahs were brilliant beating the Pumas 29-14 away from home. The Natal Sharks beat the Lions in a thrilling encounter 29-21.

The wins were enough to secure home semis for the Durban side and the Free State team. Sharks currently lead the table with 46 points while Cheetahs sit in 2^nd position with 41 points. Both teams will breathe easy knowing the home semis are confirmed.

Emmanuel Emerging From The Shadow Of Vincent

The older brother probably had the better of the younger, more athletic sibling in a clash of the Tshitukas in an absorbing encounter between their respective sides, the Sharks and Lions. Both Vincent and Emmanuel played off the bench in this encounter. 

Vincent Tshituka, the older of the 2 brothers, has always been the more established, but of late Emmanuel is emerging as his own man with undeniable talent and work ethic. Irrespective of who one prefers of the 2, they are both carving their own paths and soon could represent the green and gold.