Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Takeaways

This weekend’s rugby action was predominantly comprised of international matches for both the men in the Autumn Nations Series and the women contesting the semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Bet Central looks at 5 talking points from the weekend’s action.  

Women’s World Cup Semis Produce Humdingers

The Black Ferns edged out France women by a solitary point as Caroline Drouin missed an 80th-minute penalty attempt which sailed wide and the New Zealanders managed the last few seconds of the game before the hooter sounded and they hoofed it into touch. It was heartbreak for France who had been relentless in the last 20 minutes in their quest for victory.

England Roses also did not have it easy in their game as the Canadian ladies fought to the very end, but ultimately an Abby Dow wonder try proved to be the deciding score as England won 26-19 in an excellent game of rugby. If the semis are anything to go by the final between New Zealand and England will be a classic.

2 of the Great Scrum Halves Celebrated

It was a special occasion on Saturday for 2 of the greatest scrum halves to play the game as Conor Murray reached 100 Test matches for Ireland, his game was sadly cut short due to a groin injury. But the Dublin crowd gave him the ovation he deserved – Murray has been a special player for them, the best Irish no.9 in history.

It was a happier occasion for Aaron Smith in Wales, he was one of the standout players in the game that moved him past former halfback partner, Dan Carter, as the most-capped backline player of all time. For Smith it may not have been at home, but the Welsh crowd showed its appreciation to an all-time great. 

Springboks Have a Flyhalf Crisis

Both Murray and Smith’s sides won their games, the former’s side outclassing the Springboks who right now find themselves in a crisis of epic proportions at flyhalf. It is clear that if Damian Willemse is going to cut it at flyhalf, it will be somewhere in the future and not now.

That leaves the Springboks with a dilemma in the absence of usual frontline no.10s Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies as the only other flyhalf option is the untested Manie Libbok. As things stand it would be sensible for the Springboks’ coaching to test Libbok now rather than later to avert the crisis from escalating any further. 

France Still Has Room For Improvement

The Springboks’ opposition this weekend France pulled off a win against a strong and determined Wallabies side and one could tell they had not fully hit their straps. France, unlike most of the top-tier nations, opted to rest their frontline players during the mid-year internationals. A large part of the 1^st choice contingent has not played any Test rugby since their 6 Nations triumph.

If one was to watch crucial players like Antonie Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Gael Fickou, they were nowhere near their best but were still efficient enough to drive their team to victory. A lot of players will get back to form with Test match intensity over this Autumn Nations Series.

Santiago Carreras Making Progress at 10

In stark contrast to Damian Willemse’s struggles from being played away from his best position, Santiago Carreras is making a feast of his rethread to flyhalf from fullback. The Gloucester utility back has started at 10 in every international for Argentina this season. 

It will take time for him to fully be accustomed to running the game from 10, he showed good touch against England and may soon prove there is a method to Cheika’s madness.

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