It’s time for our Monday wrap of who has their name in lights and who is making the headlines for all the wrong reasons after the weekend.
THEY’RE ON FIRE!
Ardie Savea and All Blacks: Eden Park was certainly Savea and New Zealand‘s house on Saturday as the All Blacks took their unbeaten run at the famous venue up to an incredible 51 Test matches. The Springboks were expected to be a serious threat to break this remarkable streak but New Zealand were worthy winners as they picked up a 24-17 victory. Led by the inspirational Savea, who was playing his 100th Test, Scott Robertson’s team shot out the blocks to go 14-0 up before flanker Savea would win a key penalty at the death to deny the Boks a possible draw. The result leaves the All Blacks top of the standings on 10 points after three rounds with a rematch in Wellington this week.
Superb Wallabies fightback: Trailing 21-7 at half-time, Australia were looking on shaky ground as they stared down the barrel of a two losses from three record in the Rugby Championship. However, Joe Schmidt’s charges were a team on a mission after the break and looked confident they would get the job done. Two scores from Joseph Suaalii (more on him later) got them level at 21-21 before Juan Cruz Mallia nudged Los Pumas back in front off the tee on 79 minutes. But said confidence was on display again late on as Harry Wilson opted against taking three points and set about claiming the win. The decision paid off as Angus Bell crossed, sparking scenes of jubilation in Townsville.
Rugby World Cup qualifiers: Congratulations to Canada and Uruguay who booked their ticket to the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia over the weekend. For Canada it was Japan’s victory over the USA in the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) that saw them book their spot which coincides with them progressing to the last four of the PNC. This is a massive shot in the arm for the Canadians after a torrid spell of late that included them missing out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Uruguay meanwhile lifted the Sudaméricano 2025 spoils after defeating Chile 46-37 on aggregate which also secured a spot at the global tournament. They will hope to build on their 2023 efforts in two years’ time.
World Cup quarter-finalists: Likewise congratulations goes to England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France and Ireland for progressing to the Women’s Rugby World Cup last eight. New Zealand v South Africa and Canada v Australia take place this Saturday with France v Ireland and England v Scotland on Sunday. England, Canada, New Zealand and France topped their respective pool. 18-year-old Braxton Sorenson-McGee has been a star for the Black Ferns, with her hat-trick against Ireland on Sunday reward for her talent.
Joseph Suaalii makes mark: What a talent the former rugby league star is. It has taken a little bit of time but Suaalii is now truly making his mark on union. He was outstanding in that Wallabies fightback and alongside midfield partner Len Ikitau they caused Argentina so many problems. His first try was largely down to the brilliant Ikitau freeing his arms to offload in contact but the second try was all Suaalii. How he slipped the onrushing tackler before bamboozling Mallia en route to the line was genius and he now looks a special player in the gold jersey.
Gregor Townsend locks in: Rumours of his Scotland future being uncertain were finally put to rest last week when head coach Townsend signed a fresh deal with the Scottish Rugby Union that includes the 2027 Rugby World Cup. After new ownership, Newcastle Red Bulls were one outfit reportedly interested in his services, while Franco Smith had long been touted as a potential replacement in the Scotland hot-seat, but neither moves have materialised as Townsend and Smith have now locked in to their Scotland and Glasgow Warriors roles respectively.
COLD AS ICE!
Springboks slow starters: Rassie Erasmus quickly slammed ‘stupid errors’ and promised ‘changes’ to his team after their disappointing loss at Eden Park. To concede so early in the piece is a coaching nightmare and gave the All Blacks much-needed confidence and a lead that ended up proving decisive. While South Africa finished strongly there’s little doubt their sluggish opening will have dominated their review.
Ellie Kildunne concern: World Rugby Player of the Year Kildunne is set to miss the Red Roses’ World Cup quarter-final against Scotland after suffering a concussion against Australia over the weekend. There is also no certainty that she’ll return in time for a potential semi-final as how she recovers will be watched closely by the England medical team. Not having Kildunne would be significant blow to the Red Roses and also the World Cup as a spectacle as the full-back is a special talent. Let’s hope she recovers and the tournament sees her in action again.
Wales end on a low note: Staying with the Women’s game and a disappointing Rugby World Cup came to an end for Wales on Saturday as they lost 28-25 to Fiji, bringing down the curtain on a three defeats from three pool record. While the results don’t lie, head coach Sean Lynn believes the team is in a ‘better place’ after the tournament. They join Samoa, Spain and Brazil as the winless teams in this World Cup.
Racing 92 a real concern: It might only be Round One in the Top 14 but after last season’s disappointing 10th place finish and with the outgoings from their squad in the off-season, it promises to be a long, hard road for Racing 92 and their supporters. Taking on last season’s 11th placed side Lyon on the road first up and losing 32-7 is a worrying early sign. Could a relegation dogfight be on the cards in 2025/26?
Ilona Maher fever ends: Much like Wales, the USA have fallen at the first hurdle of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and with that bows out the fanfare and buzz surrounding social media sensation Maher. The centre was in the side that won 60-0 against Samoa, a result that saw flanker Freda Tafuna score four tries, but it wasn’t enough to stop the US missing out on qualification due to an inferior points difference.