Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Talking Points

The teams in the United Rugby Championship had a bit of a breather with Test rugby and the English Premiership on the show this past week, Bet Central brings you the standout moments and milestones.

Make that 32

Wales has an awful record against the All Blacks and it was no different this past week as the New Zealanders breezed past Wayne Pivac’s side in a clinical performance that ended in a 54-16 victory for the visitors.

The home team has now lost 32 consecutive Test matches against the All Blacks with their last victory coming 68 years ago in 1953. The Welsh despite their tremendous progress in recent years still can’t seem to overcome the All Black hurdle.

Bittersweet for Alun Wyn Jones

Despite his side being outclassed by the All Blacks, Alun Wyn Jones achieved a special milestone on Saturday when he became the most capped player in Test rugby for a single country winning his 149th cap for Wales.

Apart from the demoralizing defeat, Wyn Jones also went off injured 19 minutes into his record-breaking game. While the record will be something to cherish for the Welsh captain, the game it came in will be one he may prefer to forget.

Brilliant Beauden Barrett

The golden standard when it comes to flyhalves is the brilliant Dan Carter, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that the man who came into the All Black no.10 jersey after he had retired from Test rugby has carved his own path and will rightly be recognized as one of the best ever.

Beauden Barrett was nothing short of brilliant in what was his 100th Test match for the All Blacks, he also reminded many why he still has a say in the All Blacks flyhalf berth.

Harlequins momentum halted

After making a sensational start to the Gallagher Premiership season, Quins have looked unstoppable in the early stages of the competition, but this weekend they were defeated by Saracens.
The Quins are still firmly in the playoff picture currently sitting 3rd on the Premiership table, but they will be disappointed to have lost against Saracens who came from behind to win the game at the Stoop.

Nemani Nadolo rolls back the year

Northampton Saints vs Leicester Tigers produced a game full of tries – 2 of which fell for Nemani Nadolo. The Fijian simply rolled back the years in a performance that was vintage Nadolo – destructive and unplayable.

The 33-year-old is currently in a team that is flying high and it showed in the confidence that he has found if the Tigers’ form continues to soar, expect Nadolo to become even better as the season progresses.