The Rugby Wrap : Weekend Review (Friday, 26th, October, 2019 – Saturday, 27th, October, 2019)

Bath Rugby won against the Exeter Chiefs at The Recreation Ground in a tough fixture

This weekend was going to be interesting with a few entertaining games coming. While, the French leagues (Top14 and ProD2) were taking a rest, rugby was played in other countries.

First of all, it was the second Round of the Gallagher Premiership, in England. The clubs who had failed to make an impression in Round 1 wanted to make amends and get some momentum.

Meanwhile, there was some Pro14 with the teams from both conferences targeting some consistency. A few sides wanted to keep the good performances as long as possible.

* Bath vs. Exeter : Premiership (The Recreation Ground, Bath, England)

In tough weather conditions, with strong rain and wind, Bath Rugby kicked a penalty with Rhys Priestland. The Exeter Chiefs built the phases and second-rower Jonny Hill got the try.

Rhys Priestland missed a kick while Joe Simmonds added a penalty. Bath Rugby showed composure and unleashed a massive attacking build-up concluded by Tom Dunn from close range.

In the second-half, Bath Rugby had possession and territory. Rhys Priestland kicked a penalty. Bath Rugby were smart and they secured a massive win for their home crowd (FT : 13-10).

* Northampton vs. Worcester : Premiership (Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, England)

Worcester Warriors kicked two penalties with Duncan Weir. James Grayson scored one for the home side. Duncan Weir added one more but Ethan Waller was binned. James Grayson landed a kick.

In the second-half, they got the first try with Tom Collins after a grubber kick and some confusion as well. Taqele Naiyaravoro touched down from a scrum and Greg Furbank also scored a try.

On the re-start, Ollie Sleightholme concluded a counter-attacking try. Greg Furbank got a double. Worcester Warriors scored a late try with Francois Venter. Northampton Saints won (FT : 35-16).

* Harlequins vs. Bristol : Premiership (Twickenham Stoop, London, England)

In the first-half, it was a kicking battle between the two sides. Callum Sheedy, for the Bristol Bears, and Marcus Smith, for the Harlequins, both kicked three penalties at it was all square.

In the second-half, Marcus Smith landed a fourth penalty. Nathan Hughes was yellow-carded for the Bristol Bears. Marcus Smith added a fifth penalty as Callum Sheedy also nailed another.

Though, Joe Merchant got a stunning try for the Harlequins as he chased a grubber kick. The Bristol Bears had a try with Jake Heenan. The Harlequins held their lines to snatch the win (FT : 22-17).

* London Irish vs. Sale Sharks : Premiership (Madejski Stadium, London, England)

The Sale Sharks relied on their forwards and Akker van der Merwe touched down. Robert du Preez kicked a penalty while Denny Solomona got the try out wide. Sale Sharks were on attack.

Winger Marland Yarde added another try. In the second-half, Josh Beaumont sold the dummy for the bonus point try. Robert du Preez also scored a stunning try for the Sale Sharks.

Though, on the re-start, Ruan Botha got the ball and a try for London Irish. Sale Sharks kept playing and centre Rohan Jansé van Rensburg scored after an inside pass. Sale Sharks got a great win (FT : 07-41).

* Edinburgh vs. Scarlets : Pro14 (Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland)

The Scottish province was on attack early with counter-attacking plays. Winger Duhan van der Merwe got a quick brace. Mike Willemse carried over the line while Mark Bennett also scored.

However, Fraser McKenzie got a yellow-card for a no-arms tackle. In the second-half, Simon Hickey kicked a penalty for Edinburgh while the Scarlets had their try thanks to Marc Jones.

Edinburgh kpet playing. Mike Willemse got a brace while Duhan van der Merwe scored a stunning Hat-Trick. Eroni Sau touched down out wide, as well. That was a huge win for Edinburgh (FT : 46-07).

Conclusion

This weekend delivered a few quality games, really. First of all, in the Premiership, Bath Rugby clinched a valuable home win. Northampton Saints were also really impressive.

The Harlequins showed quality while the Sale Sharks proved that they were a tough side. Moreover, in the Pro14, Edinburgh send a warning to all their opponents with an emphatic home win.

Next weekend, the ProD2 will be back in France but not the Top14. The other Northern leagues will be played such as Premiership and Pro14. It should be another entertaining rugby weekend.

Max.

The Barrett Review : World Cup 2019 (Semi-Finals – England)

Beauden Barrett had no answers against England during the World Cup semi-finals

Following their ruthless and clinical Quarter-Final performance against Ireland, New Zealand were confident. They were going into the World Cup semi-finals with a lot of momentum.

For their World Cup semi-final, New Zealand had to play against England. Even if the media were considering them as huge favourites, the All Blacks knew that there was not going to be easy.

I- Background

Obviously, after the Quarter-Final game, Steve Hansen and his assistants were very pleased. They were not planning any changes in the starting XV for the semi-finals against the England team.

Considering the way that New Zealand played during the Quarter-Finals, the coaching staff were pretty confident. The All Blacks were prepared to perform, like any other Test Match.

II- Game Summary

That Test Match was a big surprise with the fact that New Zealand were unable to do anything the whole game. The All Blacks were caught from thr start and were never able to react in time.

They conceded a very early try which not gave them the confidence. They could not generate any go-forward and were met by a strong England defence. New Zealand could not do something.

III- The Barrett Review

* Kicks : N/A – There were no change in the goalkicking front for New Zealand. Richie Mo’unga assumed the goalkicking duties for the side so Beauden Barrett did not get that role.

* General Play : The All Blacks fullback could not get any sort of influence. That was a very tough game. Beauden Barrett tried his best but could not spark the New Zealand’s attacking game.

* Conclusion : That obviously was a huge disappointment for Beauden Barrett. Nevertheless, all was not lost as New Zealand were going to play for the third place play-offs to finish their campaign.

Max

The Rugby Wrap : Weekend Review (Saturday, 19th, October, 2019 – Sunday, 20th, October, 2019)

Hawke’s Bay earned their ticket for the Mitre 10 Cup Championship Final after extra-time

This weekend was going to be entertaining. First of all, it was the beginning of the World Cup play-offs in Japan. The Quarter-Finals were taking place with nations targeting the World Cup.

Meanwhile, there were competitions all around the world. In New Zealand, it also was about play-offs, in the Mitre 10 Cup. In England, the Premiership was back for another interesting season.

Finally, in France, the ProD2 and the Top14 were already reaching the third of the season. The sides would need to manage their squad as World Cup players would come back very quickly.

* Hawke’s Bay vs. Otago : Mitre 10 Cup (McLean Park, Napier, New Zealand)

The Otago side started with Michael Collins and Simon McDowall scoring. Neria Fomai had a try for Hawke’s Bay. Michael Collins got a brace but Pouri Rakete-Stokes finished a try for the home side.

Josh Ioane landed a kick. Tiaan Falcoon got a kick for Hawke’s Bay. Lincoln McClutchie scored from a quick-tap Devan Flanders got a stunning try. Otago drew the game with a Aleki Morris-Lome try.

Josh Ioane got a kick. Mason Emerson touched down and Tiaan Falcoon landed a kick. Otago had a try with Mika Mafi. Tian Falcoon kicked a penalty. Hawke’s Bay defended to snatch it (FT : 44-39 (AET)).

* Wellington vs. Canterbury : Mitre 10 Cup (Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand)

The home side opened the scoreboard with a penalty from Jackson Garden-Bachop. They threw the offloads and Trent Renata got the try. On a counter-attacking play, James Blackwell touched down.

In the second-half, Wellington kept their attacking structures and winger Ben Lam got the try in the corner. Canterbury scored from a big scrum with Luke Whitelock. Wellington still applied pressure.

Jackson Garden-Bachop kicked a penalty. Canterbury relied on their maul and Shilo Klein got a quick brace. Though, Jackson Garden-Bachop nailed a drop-goal. Wellington secured the win (FT : 30-19).

* New Zealand vs. Ireland : World Cup (Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan)

The All Blacks kicked a penalty with Richie Mo’unga. They unleashed their attacking game and scrum-half Aaron Smith got a quick brace. Fullback Beauden Barrett scored a counter-attacking try.

In the second-half, Kieran Read threw the offload for Codie Taylor who scored. Matt Todd added another try while Robbie Henshaw replied for Ireland. However, the All Blacks spread the ball.

George Bridge touched down. Matt Todd was sent to the bin for foul play as a penalty try was awarded to Ireland. New Zealand got one last try out wide with Jordie Barrett. New Zealand won (FT : 46-14).

* Exeter vs. Harlequins : Premiership (Sandy Park, Exeter, England)

The Harlequins scored first with a penalty from Marcus Smith. The Exeter Chiefs replied with a penalty from Joe Simmonds. The Harlequins had the ball and Gabriel Ibitoye scored the try.

The home side built a few phases and Jonny Hill got the try from close range. Joe Simmonds and Marcus Smith added one more penalty. In the second-half, Marcus Smith got another one.

After that, Joe Simmonds kicked three consecutive penalties. Gabriel Ibitoye got a brace for the Harlequins. Though, the Exeter Chiefs were settled and managed to get the home win (FT : 22-19).

* Wales vs. France : World Cup (Oita Bank Dome, Oita, Japan)

The French team relied on their maul and second-rower Sebastien Vahaamahina scored. He was followed by Charles Ollivon after a counter-attack. Aaron Wainwright replied for Wales.

Dan Biggar kicked a penalty. However, Ross Moriarty was binned for a high tackle and France kept throwing the offloads as. Virimi Vakatawa got the try. In the second-half, there was some drama.

On a maul, Sebastian Vahaamahina elbowed Aaron Wainwright and was sent off. Dan Biggar kicked a penalty and Ross Moriarty touched down and Dan Biggar converted. Wales won (FT : 20-19).

* Grenoble vs. Nevers : ProD2 (Stade des Alpes, Grenoble, France)

The home team scored with Alaska Taufa. Corentin Glenat kicked a penalty and added a second try. Nevers came back in the game with two quick tries from Nasoni Naqiri and David Lolohea.

Grenoble kept attacking. Raymond Rhule got a quick brace and Corentin Glenat landed a penalty. Though, they had Ange Capuozzo binned for foul play. Gautier Gibouin scored for Nevers.

Grenoble had a second player binned with Dylan Jacquot. Grenoble kept the composure and Fabien Alexandre scored out wide. Edgar Tu’inukuafe sealed the win with the bonus point try (FT : 46-21).

* Clermont vs. Lyon : Top14 (Marcel Michelin, Clermont, France)

The two teams traded penalties in the first-half. Jake McIntyre and Jonathan Wisniewski both kicked three penalties, respectively for Clermont and Lyon. Jake McIntyre later added a fourth.

The Lyon flanker Liam Gill was binned for foul play as Jake McIntyre added a fifth penalty. Jonathan Wisniewski got his fourth but Francisco Gomez Kodela was the second player binned for Lyon.

Jake McIntyre landed a kick. Liam Gill was shown a second bin and so a red card. Jake McIntyre and Jonathan Wisniewski added one kick. Jake McIntyre landed one more. Clermont won (FT : 24-15).

Conclusion

This weekend was another great weekend. In the Mitre 10 Cup, Hawke’s Bay got an extra-time win to qualify for the Championship Final while Wellington qualified for the Premiership Final.

About the World Cup, New Zealand and Wales performed well to qualify for the semi-finals. Meanwhile, in the Premiership, the Exeter Chiefs started well their season with a home win.

Grenoble got the win to get momentum in ProD2. Clermont did the same in the Top14. Next weekend, the northern leagues will be there along with Mitre 10 Cup and World Cup play-offs.

Max

The Barrett Review : World Cup 2019 (Quarter-Finals – Ireland)

New Zealand enjoyed a perfect night during their World Cup Quarter-Final win against Ireland

The New Zealand side were preparing for the World Cup Quarter-Finals after some animated Pool Stage. In fact, their last Pool game against Italy was cancelled because of a powerful typhoon.

It was a big surprise as it was the first time that a World Cup Pool game was cancelled. The All Blacks had one more week to prepare for a big Quarter-Final where they were going to face Ireland.

I- Background

The New Zealand coaching staff definitely wanted to use th Italy game as a big rehearsal for their Quarter-Final. They could not do so with the typhoon so the training camp had to adapt in due cause.

The All Blacks boss, Steve Hansen, said to the media that they had to change their plans. The coaching staff made sure that there was as less disruption as possible with a strong XV expected to be named.

II- Game Summary

That Quarter-Final performance was absolutely outstanding from the All Blacks. From the beginning of the game, their defence was uncompromising and they scored tries from everywhere on the pitch.

The scrum-half Aaron Smith had a brace in what was an almost perfect display from him. The two wingers, George Bridge and Sevu Reece, also scored while Beauden Barrett was not too bad either.

III- The Barrett Review :

* Kicks : N/A – Just like the beginning of the competition, Beauden Barrett did not assume the goalkicking duties. Richie Mo’unga was the main kicker with Beauden Barrett focusing on the game.

* General Play : Beauden Barrett was excellent. He scored a very good try, showed some outstanding skills and his pace was great. He was named the Player Of The Match for the second time.

* Conclusion : It was a very good performance from Beauden Barrett. His playing combination with Richie Mo’unga really started to gel. His defence was still on top as well with a few key tackles.

Max

The Rugby Wrap : Weekend Review (Friday, 11th, October, 2019 – Sunday, 13th, October, 2019)

The Cheetahs remain unbeaten in the 2019-2020 Pro14 season following three Rounds

This weekend was going to be interesting. First of all, the World Cup was going on with the last pool games to be played. That would decide the Quarter-Finals of the competition.

Moreover, in France, the leagues (ProD2 and Top14) were taking place. The Pro14 was going on as well while it was the last Round of the season in Premiership Rugby Cup in England.

Finally, it also was the last Round of the regular season in the Mitre 10 Cup. The Championship and the Premiership play-offs games were decided with provinces targeting the final win.

* Cheetahs vs. Munster : Pro14 (Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa)

The Irish province did not start well as Rhys Marshall was yellow-carded. It allowed the home side to score with prop Ox Nche. Tyler Bleyendaal kicked two penalties for Munster as the Cheetahs hit back.

Flanker Junior Pokomela touched down after a superb move while Tyler Bleyendaal landed another kick. In the second-half, Tyler Bleyendaal was off target while William Small-Smith got the score.

The Cheetahs kept playing as Joseph Dweba and Jasper Wiese got the tries. Dan Goggin scored a late try for Munster while fullback Rhyno Smith got a stunning try. The Cheetahs won (FT : 40-16).

* Oyonnax vs. Carcassonne : ProD2 (Charles Mathon, Oyonnax, France)

In the first-half, Yohan Le Bourhis and Romuald Seguy traded penalties. Romuald Seguy later missed an attempt and Xerom Civil was binned. Romuald Seguy landed a kick. Oyonnax also had a bin.

Mihail Lazar left the field. Carcassonne had Louis Marrou binned and a penalty try was awarded. Romuald Seguy got a kick but Benjamin Geledan scored. Oyonnax had Roi Hansell-Puhne binned.

Jeremy Gondrand kicked two penalties for Oyonnax. Xerom Civil got a second bin and a red card. Oyonnax had Dug Codjo binned but Miles Edwards touched down. Oyonnax won (FT : 28-12).

* Gloucester vs. Bath : Premiership Rugby Cup (Kingsholm, Gloucester, England)

The home side started well with an opening try from Louis-Rees Zammit. Gloucester added another try with Jaco Kriel while Charlie Chapman concluded a good build-up for his team.

Gloucester kept attacking and Jacob Morris concluded the build-up. Bath Rugby hit back with Ross Batty while Will Stuart also scored. In the second-half, Bath Rugby were remaining in the contest.

Playmaker Freddie Burns scored a great try while Jack Walker touched down from a maul. Bath Rugby made a few key turnovers and managed well to snatch a massive away comeback win (FT : 24-26).

* Manawatu vs. Counties Manukau : Mitre 10 Cup (Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North, New Zealand)

The Manawatu province started well with a good try from playmaker Otere Black. Centre Ngani Laumape re-gathered his chip-kick for a stunning try and Manawatu were throwing the big play.

Otere Black made a cross-field which was gathered by Johnny Galloway for a magnificient try. Samuel Tawake scored with a powerful carry. Counties Manukau reacted with a try from Liam Fitzsimons.

Manawatu kept the pressure and Ben Werthmuller scored from a lineout move. Counties Manukau scored with Daymond Leasuasu. Rodney Tongatea also scored but Manawatu won (FT : 33-17).

* Wellington vs. Waikato : Mitre 10 Cup (Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand)

The Wellington province started with a penalty from Jackson Garden-Bachop. Vince Aso could not get a try because of a knock-on. Waikato reacted with a maul try from Samisoni Taukei’aho.

Jackson Garden-Bachop landed a second penalty. Hooker Asafo Aumua concluded some build-up. Vince Aso finally got his try and Billy Proctor got a stunning score. Asafo Aumua even got a brace.

Wellington got another try with Kemara Hauiti-Parapara. Waikato scored late tries with Baylin Sullivan and Louis Rogers from a set-piece move. Though, Wellington secured the win (FT : 39-21).

* Scarlets vs. Zebre : Pro14 (Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli, Wales)

The Scarlets did not waste time as scrum-half Kieran Hardy scored quickly. He was followed by Josh McLeod on a big maul. Michelangelo Biondelli kicked a penalty for Zebre but Ryan Conbeer scored.

Zebre replied with a try from Marco Manfredi. The Scarlets still played their game and Kieran Hardy got a brace. In the second-half, Taylor Davies touched down from a maul for the home region.

Johnny McNicholl gathered a chip-kick to get the try. Lewis Rawlins was binned because of many penalties. The Scarlets kept playing as Josh Helps scored and Johnny McNicholl got his brace (FT : 54-10).

* Toulouse vs. Castres : ProD2 (Ernest Wallon, Toulouse, France)

The home side scored early with Matthis Lebel and Lucas Tauzin. Wilfrid Hounkaptin was binned for Castres Olympique. It was a high tackle. Zack Holmes and Julien Dumora kicked two penalties each.

Julien Dumora added a third for Castres Olympique. Selevasio Tolofua was binned for the home side. Julien Dumora got a fourth as Zack Holmes replied with two more. Julien Dumora was binned.

Castres Olympique kicked a penalty with Ludovic Radoslavjevic but so did Zack Holmes. Stade Toulousain unleashed a massive build-up concluded by Gillian Galan. It was a bonus point win (FT : 36-15).

* United States vs. Tonga : World Cup (Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashiosaka, Japan)

The Tonga players built a few phases and prop Siegfried Fisi’ihoi touched down. The United States side replied with a quick brace of tries out wide from their utility back player Mike Te’o.

In the second-half, Sonatane Takalua kicked a penalty for Tonga. On a counter-attacking play, centre Malietoa Hingano scored. Skipper Siale Piutau added another stunning try, later on.

The United States scored a try with Tony Lamborn to come back. Tonga relied on their scrum and Telusa Veainu gathered a grubber kick to get the try. Tonga got the great win (FT : 19-31).

* Wales vs. Uruguay : World Cup (Egao Kenko Stadium, Kumamoto, Japan)

The Welsh team started well as prop Nicky Smith carried over the line. Uruguay replied with two penalties from Felipe Berchesi. Wales could not find any sort of momentum in the first-half.

In the second-half, winger Josh Adams touched down out wide. Uruguay were defending really well but Santiago Civetta was yellow-carded. Wales earned a penalty try after a powerful maul.

Uruguay managed to score the try with German Kessler. Wales earned the bonus point try from Tomos Williams. Gareth Davies played the quick-tap and scored a 50-metre try. Wales won (FT : 35-13 ).

* Japan vs. Scotland : World Cup (International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan)

The Scotland side began well with an early try from Finn Russell. Nevertheless, Japan started to throw the offloads. Kotaro Matsushima touched down and so did Keita Inagaki.

Before the Half-Time, Kenki Fukuoka gathered the chip-kick and scored. In the second-half, he showed some class to clinch the bonus point try. Scotland hit back with a try from WP Nel.

They also played with a few offloads and Zander Fagerson had his try. Japan kept playing and remained strong defensively. They managed well and created more History with the win (FT : 28-21).

Conclusion

This weekend was huge. In Pro14, the Cheetahs and the Scarlets remained unbeaten. Bath Rugby earned a huge win in the Premiership Rugby Cup. About ProD2, Oyonnax managed to get a tough win.

Still in France, in Top14, Stade Toulousain got some confidence with a good home win. In the Mitre 10 Cup, Manawatu and Wellington earned play-offs spots. At the World Cup, Tonga finished in style.

Wales topped their Pool while Japan made History. Next weekend, the Pro14 will get a rest. The Premiership will be back. The French leagues would carry on. The World Cup Quarter-Finals would be played.

Max.

The Rugby Wrap : Weekend Review (Friday, 04th, October, 2019 – Sunday, 06th, October, 2019)

The Cheetahs got another rampant win during the Round 2 of the 2019-2020 Pro14 season

This weekend was all about rugby played all around the world. First of all, the World Cup was carrying on in Japan. The nations were respectively playing their third pool game in the competition.

The other rugby competitions were taking place. In New Zealand, the Mitre 10 was reaching the end of the regular season. In the North, there was the Pro14 and the French leagues (ProD2, Top14).

Finally, still in the Northern Hemisphere, there was the Premiership Rugby Cup. It was an opportunity for all the players of the Premiership clubs to get ready for the next Premiership season.

* Biarritz vs. Mont-de-Marsan : ProD2 (Aguiléra, Biarritz, France)

The home side kicked a penalty with Willie du Plessis. He missed his second attempt. Yoann Laousse-Azpiazu missed a penalty for Stade Montois while Willie du Plessis had a second miss at the posts.

Biarritz got their maul going and Romain Ruffenach scored. Yoann Laousse-Azpiazu kicked a penalty. He kicked two other penalties to go in front. However, Waime Naituvi was yellow-carded.

It was a high tackle and Yoann Artru scored. Danré Gerber for Stade Montois and Willie du Plessis for Biarritz traded penalties. Lucas Peyresblanques got another maul try for Biarritz. They won (FT : 23-12).

* Worcester vs. Exeter : Premiership Rugby Cup (Sixways, Worcester, England)

The Worcester Warriors got the better start with a try from Tom Howe. The Exeter Chiefs replied with a set-piece try from Ollie Woodburn. Worcester Warriors had Andrew Kitchener sent to the bin.

Though, winger Tom Howe got his brace. In the second-half, Joe Simmonds kicked a penalty before Tom Howe got his Hat-Trick. Joe Simmonds landed a kick and back-rower Jacques Vermeulen scored.

Also, Worcester Warriors had a second player binned with Caleb Montgomery. Sean Lonsdale carried over the line for the Exeter Chiefs as Matt Kvesic snatched the bonus point try (FT : 19-34).

* Auckland vs. Southland : Mitre 10 Cup (Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand)

The Auckland province scored the first try with Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa. Auckland built the phases and Caleb Clarke touched down. He was followed later on by his teammate Salesi Rayasi.

Centre TJ Fai’ane was also on the scoreboard. In the second-half, Jonathan Ruru played the quick-tap and got the try. Second-rower Jerry Adams carried over the line and so did Dalton Papali’i.

Southland scored a late try with Greg Pleasants-Tate. Auckland kept playing and Caleb Clarke got his brace. Replacement scrum-half Danny Tusitala got a quick brace. Auckland won (FT : 64-07).

* Australia vs. Uruguay : World Cup (Oita Bank Dome, Oita, Japan)

The Wallabies spread the ball and Dane Haylett-Petty scored out wide. Felipe Berchesi kicked a penalty for Uruguay as Adam Coleman was binned for Australia after many mistakes and a high tackle.

However, Jordan Petaia managed to score but Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was the second Australia player yellow-carded for another high tackle. Though, Tevita Kuridrani got the try. Uruguay was denied a try.

Tevita Kuridrani got a brace. Will Genia finished a build-up. James Slipper carried over the line and Dane Haylett-Petty got a brace. Uruguay scored a late try with Manuel Diana. Australia won (FT : 45-10).

* Otago vs. Canterbury : Mitre 10 Cup (Forsyth Barr, Dunedin, England)

The Canterbury side kicked a penalty with Brett Cameron. Josh McKay intercepted for the try as Brett Cameron landed a kick. Josh Ioane missed two penalties for Otago but nailed the next two.

Mitchell Drummond scored for Canterbury. Sio Tomkinson hit back for Otago but Sam Gilbert touched down for Canterbury. Brett Cameron missed a penalty but Otago came back again.

It was Adam Thomson who intercepted. Tim Bateman got the interception try for Canterbury but was binned. Jona Nareki had a try for Otago. Brett Cameron kicked a penalty. Canterbury won (FT : 25-35).

* Japan vs. Samoa : World Cup (Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan)

The home nation began well with two penalties from Yu Tamura. Samoa tied the game with two penalties as well from Henry Taefu. Yu Tamura kicked a third penalty while TJ Ioane was binned.

Timothy Lafaele touched down on attack. Henry Taefu landed his third kick. He added another while Yu Tamura was off-target. Though, he was successful with his next attempt. Japan set the maul.

Kazuki Himeno scored. Samoa hit back with a try from Henry Taefu. Japan spread the ball and Kenki Fukuoka scored. Kotaro Matsushima touched down as well. It was the big win for Japan (FT : 38-19).

* Clermont vs. Montpellier : Top14 (Marcel Michelin, Clermont, France)

In the first-half, Benoit Paillaugue landed a kick for Montpellier. Jake McIntyre replied for Clermont while Benoit Paillaugue added a second. Nick Abendanon was binned for foul play for the home side.

Montpellier also had a player yellow-carded with Paul Willemse after a high tackle. Jake McIntyre tied the game with a penalty before Mike Tadjer touched down from a maul. In second-half, it was a battle.

The Montpellier hooker Yoann Delhommel had the try. Clermont reacted with Isaia Toeava scoring a stunning try. Despite three missed penalties, Clermont held their lines and won (FT : 20-13).

* Cheetahs vs. Ulster : Pro14 (Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa)

The Cheetahs moved the ball wide and Anthony Vomink scored. He got a stunning brace as Ulster got a try with Sam Carter. The Cheetahs kept playing and Rhyno Smith had a great try.

Hooker Joseph Dweba scored from a maul. In the second-half, Anthony Volmink intercepted for a Hat-Trick. Rhyno Smith got a brace and Louis Fouché scored. James Hume scored for Ulster.

Joseph Dweba was binned and Dave Shanahan got a try for Ulster. The Cheetahs had Reinach Venter on the board and a penalty try. Craig Gilroy scored a late try for Ulster. The Cheetahs won (FT : 63-26).

* New Zealand vs. Namibia : World Cup (Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan)

The Namibian players got a penalty from Damian Stevens. New Zealand had tries with Sevu Reece and Anton Lienert-Brown. Damian Stevens kicked two penalties but Nepo Laulala was binned.

The All Blacks still managed to score with Angus Ta’avao and Ben Smith crossing the line. Prop Joe Moody carried over the line. Anton Lienert-Brown and Sevu Reece got respective braces.

Sam Whitelock scored at the base of the posts. Ben Smith got a brace. Ofa Tu’ungafasi was binned for a high tackle. Jordie Barrett scored while TJ Perenara got a stunning try. New Zealand won (FT : 71-09).

* France vs. Tonga : World Cup (Egao Kenko Stadium, Kumamoto, Japan)

The French team kicked a penalty thanks to Romain Ntamack. They made a turnover and Virimi Vakatawa scored. Winger Alivereti Raka also finished a quick-tap for the France second try.

Tonga came back with a try from Sonatane Takalua. In the second-half, centre Malietoa Hingano got the try. Romain Ntamack kicked two penalties as France were denied two tries in that game.

Tonga were not out of it and after a few phases, back-rower Zane Kapeli scored the try from a cross-field kick. France managed to secure the re-start. They won a very tough contest (FT : 23-21).

* Pau vs. Racing 92 : Top14 (Stade du Hameau, Pau, France)

The Racing 92 side began well as Teddy Iribaren got a penalty. It was all square when Colin Slade kicked one too for the home side. Teddy Iribaren was successful with a second attempt.

Colin Slade missed two penalties. The Racing 92 winger Louis Dupichot was denied a try for a foot in touch. Teddy Iribaren landed two penalties before Juan Imhoff intercepted for the try.

The Pumas winger later got a brace. On the last play, Scotland scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne found space on the midfield and touched down for the bonus point try. Racing 92 delivered (FT : 03-31).

Conclusion

This weekend was entertaining. In France, Biarritz secured the win in the ProD2. About the Top14, Clermont gained more momentum while Racing 92 got a massive away win with the bonus point.

In New Zealand, Auckland got a big win while Canterbury won the Ranfurly Shield. The Cheetahs showed class in the Pro14 and the Exeter Chiefs are favourites in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Finally, at the World Cup, the Wallabies bounced back while Japan got another win. New Zealand won and so did France. Obviously, all these competitions would carry on the next weekend.

Max.

The Barrett Review : World Cup 2019 (Pool Stage – Canada)

Beauden Barrett got his first try of the 2019 World Cup against Canada as New Zealand won

The All Blacks had started well their World Cup campaign with a good win against South Africa. They now had to face Canada in their second Pool game in the competition staged in Japan.

Even if the gap was said to be pretty big between the two sides, it was clear that there would not be complacency from New Zealand. It was all about generating more and more momentum.

I- Background

Due to the plan which was set by the coachn=ing staff, the starting XV for Canada would not be so different from the South Africa game. Steve Hansen decided to stick with the same players.

He wanted them to gel and keep working on the combinations. There was History made as the Barrett Brothers became the first trio of Brothers to start a World Cup game for the All Blacks.

II- Game Summary

The All Blacks managed to play their usual brand of rugby from the beginning of the contest. They had the bonus point before the Half-Time and they still applied pressure, later on.

It became an even more historic day for the Barrett Brothers as Jordie, Beauden and Scott all scored tries. They became the first trio of Brothers to score in the same Test for New Zealand.

III- The Barrett Review

* Kicks : N/A – Beauden Barrett did not get the goalkicking duties. Richie Mo’unga assumed them all game. It is a call from all the team even if Beauden Barrett already showed that he can kick.

* General Play : It was a good performance. Beauden Barrett scored a try. He ran some good lines and saved a try, once again. He could even add a second try in what was a scintillating performance.

* Conclusion : Beauden Barrett had a decent game against Canada. He should get a rest for the next game against Namibia and come back for Italy and the play-offs, if New Zealand qualify.

Max.