Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Takeaways

It was a superb weekend for two of the great scrum-halves in the game today, there was also a Pacific Islands classic and Irish dominance in Cape Town. Bet Central brings you the 5 takeaways from this weekend’s rugby action.

Aaron Smith Signs Out In Style At Forsyth Barr Stadium

It was the end of an era at Forsyth Barr Stadium last Friday as long-time Highlanders scrumhalf and talisman Aaron Smith said goodbye to Dunedin in his 184^th appearance for his beloved franchise. He is arguably the finest Highlanders player in history.

He said goodbye to his home crowd in an emotional send-off where the home team won 35-30 courtesy of a late Folau Fakatava try which completed the ceremonial handover of the no.9 baton from the king to the heir to Smith’s throne. Smith has one more game, but this one would have been his most prized as he played in front of his people.  

Drua-Pasifika Play Out A Super Rugby Classic

In what can only be described as Pacific island style, Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika played out an exciting high-scoring affair where Drua edged out Pasifika 47-46 in a thriller in sunny Lautoka. A total of 14 tries was scored by both sides with Iosefo Masi getting a hattrick for Drua.

It was heartbreak for Pasifika who once again lost by a solitary point in their quest for a 1^st victory in 2023 and they now look set to finish the season winless with only 1 more game remaining against the Reds next week. Drua have won 5 and now have a slim chance of making the playoffs if other results go their way and they win this week.

Munster Brutal On the Way To Victory

Munster were crowned United Rugby Championship winners in a fantastic arm-wrestle at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening, Graham Rowntree’s side managed to outlast a stubborn and resilient Stormers side in front of their home crowd edging to victory 19-14 in a booming atmosphere.

Munster were sensational in their kicking game as their aerial duel with Stormers brought them joy with the back 3 fantastic in their contesting. John Hodnett was fantastic alongside Gavin Coombes in the loose trio while the tight 5 brought their A-game. The centres Malakai Feikotoa and Antoine Frisch were also on hand to gain the hard yards with ball in hand.

Connor Murray Confirms Status As An All-Time Great

Part of the reason Munster were so good was the garryowens of Connor Murray, he was so efficient with his kicks and Stormers struggled to deal with it. He rolled back the years as he read the game spectacularly on defence and attack.

The Championship and performance confirm his status as one of the all-time great scrum-halves in any era. Connor Murray is a top 5 candidate for the greatest scrumhalf in the history of the game and if Ireland are to win the World Cup, he will solidify his legacy. 

Manie Libbok Deserves Constructive Criticism

Manie Libbok has rightly been criticised for his performance in the URC final for the Stormers, but a number of senior Stormers also failed to step up in below-par team performance by the former champions at home. 

A huge part of the reason the Stormers progressed all the way to the final was the performances of Libbok, so the writing off of a player who has been superb this season was unfair. He should be criticised for his performance – but it should be constructive criticism for a player with immense talent and ability who will surely bounce back.