Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Takeaways

Yet another weekend of domestic rugby has passed, and it was exhilarating in the URC with some high-scoring games and there were plenty of tight affairs in the Gallagher Premiership. Bet Central brings you all you need to know about this past weekend’s action.

Bok-laden Sharks Bounce Back

In a game that would have encouraged the Sharks, a number of the World Cup-winning Springboks returned to the side for their game against the Dragons. It was an incredibly successful return for the Sharks Boks as they thrashed the Welsh side 69-14 in Durban.

Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams, and Lukhanyo Am all got on the scoring sheet while the likes of Jaden Hendrikse looked very good in tandem with Curwin Bosch in the halfbacks. It is clear that is still a gulf in class between the 1st and 2nd choice players at the Sharks and it’s on coach John Plumtree to bridge that gap.

Leinster Has BMT In Abundance

It was yet another Irish classic at the Aviva Stadium as Leinster beat a tough and resilient Munster side to hold on to the bragging rights in the biggest game of the weekend in the URC. The most dominant team in this competition with 8 titles to their name beat current holders Munster 21-16.

There is no doubt that Leo Cullen’s side has one of deepest squads in franchise/club rugby, but beyond the quality in depth, this team seems to have big match temperament in abundance. They never know when they are beaten, and every team has to play for a full 80 minutes to make sure they beat them. Leinster are the blueprint for BMT.

Zebre Got Another Credible Result

Cardiff Rugby along with the Sharks are hardly a good barometer to measure your progress with both teams struggling for form, but the previously winless Zebre were able to avoid defeat again as they drew with Cardiff.

Could this be the catalyst for a turnaround in fortunes? That remains to be seen as much tougher tasks lay ahead for the Italian side. Fabio Roselli’s sides will take a lot from these 2 games though.

Ollie Lawrence Thrives Under Johann van Graan’s Tutelage

He may have played off the bench for the majority of the World Cup for England, but Ollie Lawrence’s upturn in form under South African coach Johann van Graan at Bath will have Steve Borthwick’s attention.

Lawrence was outstanding in a man-of-the-match effort against Bristol Bears whom they edged 20-19 at the Rec. The 24-year-old centre will be looking to build on this form as his national coach focuses on the 6 Nations in just over 2 months’ time.

Handre Pollard Stars For Tigers In Derby Weekend Win

It was the 1st time Leo Cullen entrusted Dan Sheehan with the captaincy in the URC and the Ireland hooker repaid his faith in full of a dazzling performance. Leinster are still not at full strength, but they were still too good for the Dragons.

Dan Sheehan was only starting to find his feet after an injury when Ireland crashed out of the World Cup so Cullen will be pleased to see he can still produce the kind of performance he produced on Sunday.