Rugby Weekend Wrap – Stormers, Bosch, Leinster & Sarries

The domestic action continued in Europe this week with both the Gallagher Premiership and United Rugby Championship producing lovely games that either asserted and emphasised what is already known or changed perception. Bet Central explores what transpired over the past weekend.

Stormers Finally Register A Win

In a week where the rugby faithful needed a bit of good news after the Western Province Rugby Union was placed under administration, the Stormers responded in a resounding fashion by beating the Newport Dragons in Wales.

SA United Rugby Championship Team of the Week – Round 4

The Stormers, inspired by an in-form Warrick Gelant, responded to last week’s draw by going one better and finally getting a maiden United Rugby Championship win. This means that each one of the South African has tasted victory in the new competition.

Curwin Bosch Form Not Coming Right

Contrary to Gelant’s imperious form, Curwin Bosch continues to bumble through games for the Sharks and it is cause for concern for Sean Everitt and his coaching staff at the Sharks.

With most of the Sharks’ star players away for an extended period due to Springbok commitments, the Sharks most probably look to the talented playmaker for inspiration and it just isn’t happening at the moment for Bosch. If the Sharks are to be competitive in the months ahead, Bosch needs to come right.

Leinster Remain The Yardstick

When Leinster pummelled the Bulls in the first round of the URC, it sent out warning signs that not even South Africa’s best would take their crown away as the preeminent team in this competition.

This was emphasised even more this week when they thrashed Welsh outfit Scarlet 50-15 at the RDS Arena. The Irish side underlined why they are the best the competition has to offer even at this early stage in the URC.

Defending Champs Outmuscled

After finishing last season on a high and winning the Gallagher Premiership. Harlequins started this season in similar finishing running through opponents with confidence and a swagger befitting their champion status, but it came to a halt this weekend against Sale Sharks

The South African-laden Sharks were full value for their win against a side that did not play badly but struggled to live with their abrasive nature. The game is most likely just a speed bump on the road rather than a major hurdle for Quins.

Records Tumble At The Rec

Elsewhere in Gallagher Premiership, the Saracens destroyed Bath on their own home turf. The recently promoted Sarries scored 10 tries, including a hattrick from talented fullback Max Malins, on their way to a 71-17 win.

The game had records falling left, right and centre. Saracens had their biggest win on the road while Bath naturally fell to their biggest defeat at the Rec to complete an utterly terrible day for the team currently at the bottom of the Premiership table. They also had their worst start to the competition in 20 years. Bath seems to be at an all-time low at the moment and it is hard to see how they get out of this rut.