Saracens and Racing 92 progress to the final
The Champions Cup’s all-English semi-final resulted in Saracens sealing a 24-17 victory against Wasps. However, after just 73 seconds it looked as if Wasps may be on track to record a momentous upset, after Christian Wade broke free and fed Dan Robson to score. From that point on Saracens were able to dominate possession and territory and came close to scoring through Duncan Taylor, only to have it chalked off by Romain Poite. They finally received a reward for their efforts with Michael Rhodes’ try following his charge-down of Jimmy Gopperth, and after the break Owen Farrell kicked three quickfire penalties to build a 7-point Saracens lead. Each side lost a player after Farrell’s questionable tackle on Robson, the England star sin-binned and Robson carted off injured, but Wasps couldn’t capitalise on the personnel advantage and a penalty try inside the final ten minutes rubber-stamped the victory for Sarries. Ashley Johnson’ late consolation score sweetened the scoreline but was too little too late.
The second semi-final pitted Leicester Tigers against Racing 92 and the French side came out on top by 19-16 with Dan Carter providing 11 points. The All Black legend combined wonderfully with Maxime Machenaud and the half-back pairing controlled proceedings, with Machenaud scoring Racing’s only try after two minutes, following Joe Rokocoko’s break. Despite some wayward kick attempts by Johannes Goosen and Carter, Racing were able to extend their lead to 10-0 with a successful Carter penalty. Leicester’s primary ball-carriers were largely neutralized by Racing’s defence and the Tigers were left to kick points from the tee with Freddie Burns and Owen Williams doing the honours. Carter and Goosen responded with penalties of their own, holding Leicester at arm’s length until Telusa Veainu crossed for a potentially crucial try in the 79th minute. Williams’ conversion brought the score to 19-16 and Racing 92 were able to hold on and bring Carter closer to YET ANOTHER trophy.
Champions Cup Star Men: Maro Itoje and George Kruis
Harlequins efficient in victory
Harlequins and Montpellier were confirmed as the European Challenge Cup finalists after the semi-final round. Harlequins were business-like in their defeat of Grenoble by 30-6, with their three tries coming from Jamie Roberts, George Lowe and Nick Evans. After their monumental quarter-final clash with Connacht, Grenoble were lacking a clinical edge and allowed Roberts to steam over for the opening try after eleven minutes. Jonathan Wisniewski contributed the French side’s only points with several try-scoring chances going begging, and after half-time the cracks in their defence began to widen with Nick Evans chipping through to score, eight minutes into the second half. Centre George Lowe was on hand to score Quins’ third try to confirm their first European final appearance since 2011. The lone dark cloud over the result was Joe Marler’s apparent kick at the head of Arnaud Heguy, on the occasion of his return from a two-match ban for a racial slur. The incident was missed by referee John Lacey but Marler awaits his fate from the citing commissioner.
Despite being outscored two tries to one, Montpellier overcame Newport Gwent Dragons to win 22-12 and book a spot in the final. MHR’s South African contingent made a large contribution to the victory with Bismarck du Plessis crashing over for their only try and Demetri Catrakilis adding 14 points from the tee. With director of rugby Lyn Jones departing during the week, Kingsley Jones took charge of the side but was unable to prevent their French opponents from dominating the scrum and forcing penalty after penalty. Carl Meyer was instrumental in the Dragon’s late comeback, setting up Hallam Amos’ try with a bright break before jinking over for a score of his own, but the might of Montpellier was enough to keep them at bay.
Challenge Cup Star Man: Jamie Roberts
Bath settle score in rearranged fixture
Bath made amends after two consecutive league losses by beating Sale 32-26 at the Rec. Seeking to save some face after a wretched Premiership season, Bath flew out of the blocks, scoring through Ollie Devoto and Charlie Ewels in the first eleven minutes of the match. Two conversions and a penalty from George Ford gave Bath a healthy 17-0 lead, suggesting a simple victory for the West Countrymen. After the break however, Sale flashed some of their try-scoring potential, flowing up the field and putting Johnny Leota in for the first of his pair of scores. Leota’s effort was swiftly followed by an Andrei Ostrikov five-pointer that cut Bath’s lead all the way down to just three points. With Bath temporarily rocked onto the back foot, Semesa Rokoduguni stepped up to bag his 10th try of the league season and push Bath’s noses further ahead, helped by another Ford penalty success. The final ten minutes saw a flurry of tries, started by Will Homer’s breakaway try for the home side, and although Sale hit back twice through Leota and TJ Ioane, Bath held on for the win, avenging last week’s loss at the hands of the Sharks.
Aviva Premiership Star Man: Guy Mercer
Magic McKenzie helps Chiefs to tight win
Let the bells ring out! The Sunwolves recorded their first win of Super Rugby, 36-28, over fellow newcomers Los Jaguares. Samoan fly-half Tusi Pisi was in imperious form kicking 18 points and creating two of the three tries for the Sunwolves as they produced what is becoming a trademark Japanese last minute try. After their 92-17 demolition by the Cheetahs in the previous round, the match started ominously as Los Jaguares crossed twice in the early stages, Agustin Creevy and Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino crossing the ‘Wolves line. Yasutaka Sasakura responded with a try for the Sunwolves that Pisi converted and supplemented with a penalty to take the lead, but it wasn’t long before the Argentinians had pulled back one try, Emiliano Boffelli the scorer, and then a second after Facundo Isa’s interception. It took until the hour mark for the Sunwolves to finally find their spark, with Pisi again instrumental in the build-up to Derek Carpenter’s try. With Riaan Viljoen and Pisi having slotted three penalties, the match-winner came from the hands of Pisi who found a gap and offloaded to Harumichi Tatekawa for the crucial 80th minute try.
The Chiefs and the Hurricanes provided another wonderfully watchable clash, with the Chiefs edging the encounter 28-27. The sides scored four tries apiece with the scoreline ultimately decided by the spot-on kicking of Damian McKenzie, who is rapidly becoming Super Rugby’s hottest commodity. Cory Jane benefited from a Beauden Barrett break to open the Hurricanes’ scoring after just four minutes, but the effort was quickly cancelled out by Seta Tamanivalu’s muscular run from short-range for the Chief’s first try. It was Tamanivalu who struck again, starting and finishing an 80 metre move in the right hand corner, but the Canes were again on hand with a reply as Dane Coles touched down. After the break, Michael Leitch and TJ Perenara exchanged tries to put the Chiefs 21-20 up, before Takeni Sau crossed again for the Chiefs after some more wizardry from Damian McKenzie and Augustine Pulu. Barrett finally bagged a five-pointer of his own in the 70th minute, but even with Jason Woodward’s conversion it would not be the Hurricanes’ day, as Woodward dropped the ball with the try-line begging to deny his side a thrilling victory.
The Cheetahs came back to earth with a bump after their 90-burger last weekend, losing to the Rebels by 34-14, as the Sharks edged a close match with Highlanders, 15-14. The Waratahs found their footing in a 49-13 thrashing of the Western Force and there were similarly convincing wins for the Stormers over the Reds (40-22), the Lions against the Southern Kings (45-10) and the Crusaders over the Brumbies (40-14).
Super Rugby Star Man: Tusi Pisi
Try of the Week: With honourable mentions to Seta Tamanivalu’s second score for the Chiefs and to Dan Robson’s 1st minute try against Saracens, the award goes to Israel Dagg’s try. Some wonderful offloading work from David Havili, Keiron Fonotia and Nemani Nadolo gave Dagg an easy run in, during their dismantling of the Brumbies.
Hero of the Week: Nigel Owens drew plaudits this weekend for his refereeing performance during Leicester v Racing 92 and it was well-deserved, but he shares the award with Willie le Roux who bounced back (literally) from a horror tackle by the Highlanders’ Jason Emery. Le Roux somehow played the remainder of the match after landing on his neck. Hard as nails.
Villain of the Week: Another joint award and Joe Marler and Simon McIntyre are the winners/losers. Both props appeared to kick opponents in the head during the weekend’s action. Marler escaped without sanction and faces citing, with McIntyre receiving a yellow card. Two examples of hot-headed and needless play, especially with Marler fresh from his recent ban. Come on Joe!
By Fraser Kay (@fraserkay)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
Disappointing from a Wasps perspective on Saturday. We lost far too many line outs at crucial times of the game. I don’t think Launchbury and Davies are a particularly good pairing – they’re too similar. We looked far better against Exeter when it was Myall with Launchbury with Davies coming off the bench.
Thought the Farrell yellow was really harsh. Robson fumbles the ball and drops to about waist height – what is the tackler supposed to do in that situation? You often see if with smaller players ducking into tackles and it causing players that were about to him them legally suddenly make a high tackle. I’m thinking of the Haskell yellow in the 6 nations were Murray dipped into it slightly and the check height tackle hit his neck. Farrell’s tackle probably would have been waist height had Robson not ducked.
I thought the Farrell yellow was harsh considering Poite had dismissed a similar tackle on Taylor in the first half. The only difference was the outcome.
Have to say I thought your defence was outstanding. Haskell particularly threw himself around to slow us down.
What was your view on Ashton’s inability to use his arms?
I thought it was given more because it involved a swinging arm than because it was high. I think he’d also just been warned about about a previous borderline tackle
Slo-mo made it look worse I think. I think Farrell would have completed the tackle if he hadn’t collided heads with Robson. I think the knock stunned Farrell enough for a split second to cause his arm to loosen and make it look like a swinging arm.
Even that I think is wrong though. How could he avoid that? His arm swung across the top of Robson’s head as he was trying to wrap him? Also agree that slow-mo makes every tackle look awful so I really wish they’d stop watching them like that.
Ashton’s tackling technique is just awful, he is so focused on trying to put hits in – everything about him is just so unlikable! I was surprised to see him at least not spoken to.
No doubt slo mo makes things look worse than they are. But having re-watched it, Poite is absolutely correct by the letter of the law
Letter of the law yes – but should refs not be given scope to use their brains a little more? Or potentially a rule change regarding the actions of the ball carrier is needed?
Well sure and unless Poite gives us his reasoning, which may involve previous warnings or other criteria that we are not privy to, there’s no point in second-guessing him
But by the letter of the law McIntyre should have been shown a red. These are the inconsistencies I mentioned in my post below. Very frustrating because I think Poite is a very good referee.
Ashton is our most frustrating player from a fans point of view. Such a talented player who has shown that he can tackle, but almost seems afraid to back his ability and would rather jeopardise giving away penalties.
Still the best ball tracker around, but a liability in the penalty department!!
Definitely the best ball tracker around by a mile, he is a very good player. He just does needless things that make him a bit of a liability.
He’s a good player but for me he is still fourth in line for England after May, Nowell and Watson. Third if we move Watson into the 15 shirt.
At the moment I would probably have Wade ahead of him. A player who is not great in his defensive positioning against a player who is likely to tackle illegally and give away penalties? It’s a tough one, but on current form, and with his speed off the mark I would rather have Wade.
It will be interesting to see who EJ takes to Aus this summer!!
Can’t believe Farrell has also been cited as well? http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36130239
Despite some questionable refereeing inconsistencies in the Sarries v Wasps game, I thought it was a great game. Although I think Ashton was lucky not to get a talking to (or yellow carded) for two dubious uses of the shoulder. Wade showed his class to set up Robson who finished excellently, but Sarries exerted pressure from everywhere on the pitch. I though Mako Vunipola was outstanding, popping up all over the pitch and making some good carries as well as being a nuisance at the breakdown.
Wade was very good I thought. He showed his good side and Saracens didn’t exploit his weaknesses at all. As well as the try, one 60 meter break was pretty impressive.
Haskell was brilliant for us, as was Hughes and Smith to be fair. Unfortunately we couldn’t win our set piece ball well enough to put pressure on Sarries for long enough periods. I actually think the scoreline flattered Wasps a little in the end, we were well beaten.
Wade was excellent. I’ve decided I’d like to see him in the England side as he adds a spark and an unpredictability that is so difficult to defend against.
His off-loads and passing are very good as well
Jacob – I was disappointed that Hughes didn’t make more of an impact. Sure he was well-marked, but he has to expect that. BV came out top of that particular clash
Came out on top maybe but I don’t think wither player emerged with much credit. Hughes looked knackered and Billy does what he always does; run straight forwards. I think he made yards twice? I thought Mako had an excellent game; dominated Cittadini in the scrum, carried and offloaded well. Skalk (apologies for spelling) Brits is also a phenomenal player.
My thoughts were that Saracens looked like a team who have been in tight games to win trophies a lot recently and knew how to win them, whereas Wasps let the occasion get to them.
BV carried for 36 metres, beating 3 defenders according to ESPN scrum.
Good to see MV bounce back in the scrum after being comprehensively out-propped by Will Collier at Quins the previous week. As you say he was great round the field as well
Totally agree with you about Saracens and tight games. The final against Racing will be a fascinating game
Disagree slightly on Hughes, I thought he had a really good impact at the breakdown, particularly defensively. Couple of turnovers were impressive too. If you just mean with ball in hand then obviously Hughes didn’t do much in that area, but then I don’t think Wasps had enough ball, or secured enough good set piece ball for him to really impress in that area.
For me, Hughes stands apart from Vunipola for his breakdown work and his work rate. Both are phenomenal ball carriers, and I’d always lean towards Hughes as I think other parts of his game are much better.
I’m starting to agree on Wade. I still do worry about his positioning, but he is electric and is clearly working on the weaknesses in his game.
I think BV has added a lot to his game at the breakdown over the last season or so. According to the stats put out by the ERC both he and Hughes managed 1 turnover each (Fraser had the most with 3 followedn by Haskell with 2)
It will be interesting to see if Hughes gets a chance at international level.
Tend to not check stats as they can be hugely misleading. I’m sure I can remember two from Hughes but potentially I’m thinking of someone else for one of them.
I imagine Hughes will be straight in. He’s had a huge impact for Wasps over a very long period. For me the question would be which one of BV or him start and which comes off the bench.
Could EJ start them together? Billy is pretty useful at 6 as well, and I think Hughes is marginally better from the back of the scrum (although Billy was excellent there for England in the 6N)?
Potentially. Hughes is an ok line out option but not great though. And BV can’t jump at all.
If the 7 was a jumper then it could be a devastating back row. Assume by the AI’s it might well be Clifford? Or even Underhill?
Lineout wise it would mean exchanging Haskell for Hughes, would we really lose anything in that department? Neither are going to be lifted like ballerinas!
I’d like to see Wade on tour to Aus this summer.
a) Jones and Gustard may help improve his not so good points
b) No other available player comes remotely close to what he can do ball in hand. How many others in world rugby, let alone domestic rugby, could have made that break in the second half.
c) It’s not just about beating men, he can keep a move alive and find his support runners.
I don’t see how you can be the quickest guy to 50 tries in the history of the prem and never even get a chance to see if you can cut it at international level or not. The ‘flaws’ may mean he doesn’t, but at the start of a world cup cycle I’d like to find out.
I have a hunch that he could be one of those players Jones works his magic on, giving him the confidence in what he can do, not all the negatives on what he can’t do.
I think you’re spot on there. Wade has more positives than negatives, and should be given the chance. A back line of Nowell, Wade and Watson, with Daly as the 23 would be a great line up.
I know a lot of people think Goode has had his international chances, but it’s pretty hard to ignore his form at the moment too, particularly after a disappointing 6 Nations from Brown.
Add to that the fact that Watson is in a bit of hot water himself (and Bath’s season is effectively over already), and EJ has some tough decisions to make about who to take on the plane.
Lynagh’s latest comments about a 0-3 whitewash are a bit of a stretch tho :-)
My focus was mainly on the Newport game and despite the one sided nature of the score after 60 mins I thought it was still excellent and also an impressive effort from Newport against the SA Veterans side. Montpellier play exactly like a White side – huge, smash, drive, win penalty, go and do it again. Enough to win, especially against lighter (financially, weight and experience wise) opponentss.
Saracens Wasps was a good game to watch – I do wonder if the rules on retaliation need a rethink. Yes, the Wasps player kicked Itoje in the head – yellow/red card (red, surely?) but I’d like to see some way of sanctioning the initial offence as well. It was provocation – and I know being provoked isn’t a defence but unless something is done you can see that it’s an excellent way of driving the oppo to give away a card offence. I don’t know – bit of a minefield but it left a sour taste to see Itoje’s cheating so well rewarded.
Leics v Racing was boring – so many handling errors I kept flicking back and fore to the FA Cup while yet another play reset was taking place. A little bit of excitement at the end due to the scores being close I suppose.
Credit to Sky Sports for taking the Rugby League approach to crowd angles and crowd noise amplification.
I was shocked to hear Barnes make an insightful, if obvious, comment – when Ashton kicked that ball away – turning an own half scrum into a 10 yard from oppo line lineout with minutes to go and 7 pts the diff – he remarked that was why Jones will consider extremely carefully whether he takes him with England. He could have been instrumental in losing Sarries that game for a stupid moment, exactly the sort of temperament issue that Jones mentioned in his interview.
Joe Marler – heat of the moment no doubt, poor bloke being a marked man as O’Shea pointed out.
Completely agree with you on provocation. Undoubtedly McIntyre was wrong, but he made several attempts to shake his left leg free while Itoje lay there clinging onto it. He was obviously quite desperate to get round and defend – as a Wasps fan it left a particularly sour taste.
Must say on Ashton, I really really hope he doesn’t go away with England.
I agree, can’t condone the retaliation (I was at the game as a neutral but secretly backing Wasps as my better half supports them), it does leave a bitter taste when you’re watching the replays on the screen and McIntyre has two or three attemepts to try and loosen himself from Itoje’s grasp before he eventually lashes out in frustration. Itoje has been subsequently “warned” but it doesn’t go far enough in my opinion, part of the game that should be cracked down on!
Marler kicked a bloke in face when the guy was on the ground and could not protect himself.
He deserves a long ban this time because he was got well below the ‘usual’ 4 weeks for using the language of the Nazis.
He cannot plead ‘Mea Culpa’ this time for an offence committed immediately after his ‘racism ban’ ended.
Yeah it’s pretty hard to defend that.
I know it was only a shin tap, but that’s still technically a “kick to the head”, plus it was way off the ball and totally deliberate. We all know that anything other than the most innocuous or accidental contact above the shoulders is a total no-no.
Marler knows he has to be really careful after Gypsygate, and he’s now looking at the business end of being made a massive example of twice in as many months.