Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Takeaways

It was a weekend of shocks and high-scoring affairs in both the URC and Super Rugby Pacific this past weekend, Bet Central looks at the 5 takeaways from the weekend’s action.

Reds Stun Undefeated Chiefs

In the 1^st game of the weekend, there was the biggest upset of all as the unbeaten Chiefs fell to their 1st loss against the Reds at home, it was part of the Chiefs who weren’t at their clinical best in the game that could have gone either way with a 3-point difference in the end.

It was the excellent efforts of Reds veterans Liam Wright and James O’Connor who inspired a determined Reds side who for the entire game stood toe to toe with the best side in the competition and ultimately got one over the Chiefs. The Reds will be encouraged by the performance in their 25-22 victory. 

Hurricanes Youngsters Inspire Big Win

It was unfortunate that Moana Pasifika came up against a Hurricanes side still reeling from their loss to Fijian Drua in the 11^th round. The Hurricanes came out as a team seeking vengeance and Pasifika were on the receiving end of a 71-22 thrashing as a result.

There were 2 youngsters in particular who put up their hands by having excellent games, Aidan Morgan controlled the game like a seasoned veteran while there were shades of Julian Savea in Kini Naholo whose pace and power were a handful. 

Munster Win Irish Class

Leinster opted to rest a couple of frontline players again this week and it was unfortunately for them a bridge too far this time as they came up against an excellent Munster side who played their part in a classic all-Irish affair.

Munster were full value for their as they took advantage of Leinster’s errors and nailed home a drop goal to win courtesy of Joe Crawley who was excellent with his game management. They will now travel to Cape Town to take on defending champions Stormers who will host a 2^nd consecutive URC final.

Stormers The Bright Light

The Connacht side came to Cape Town full of confidence after downing Ulster in the URC quarterfinal the week before last, but their wings were quickly cut off as the Stormers took full advantage of home territory running out as 43-25 winners.

The Stormers were once again inspired by the irrepressible Manie Libbok who contributed 23 points to the Stormers’ cause and looks like a strong contender for the Player of The Tournament. Angelo Davids also had his finest outing in a Stormers jersey against Connacht

Brumbies’ Corey Toole Knocking On Wallabies Door

Brumbies emerged victors in another high-scoring affair in Super Rugby as they won 48-32 following a late surge against the Highlanders whose playoff prospects are slipping away week by week, the Brumbies Pete Samu was inspired for the Canberra side. 

Despite Samu’s brilliance, the man who stole the show was Corey Toole whose pace was a handful for the Highlanders’ defence and the man looks like he could be a bolter for the Wallabies later in the year.