Who’s hot and who’s not: ‘Quite incredible’ Glasgow comeback, ‘slightly bizarre’ Eben Etzebeth and Ireland star’s ‘stinker’
Sione Tuipulotu celebrates Glasgow win (left) and Leinster's James Lowe
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!
Glasgow’s comeback: Quite incredible. When Glasgow were 21-0 down at the interval to the six-time Champions Cup winners Toulouse, it looked like a procession. Les Rouge et Noir were irrepressible in the opening period and made breaks at will, leading to three tries, but the Warriors produced a remarkable response. They were absolutely outstanding after the break, earning a bonus-point triumph and setting up an intriguing final two pool games in January. Toulouse are one of the favourites for the title but this result could well make their path much, much harder.
Sale Sharks: Probably the surprise result of the Investec Champions Cup round as the English outfit not only beat Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel-Michelin but hammered them, earning a 35-14 victory. Granted, Clermont fielded a mix and match team but then so did Sale, who have a plethora of injuries. Alex Sanderson’s men have also been struggling for form, but they produced their best performance of the season on Saturday. Lock Ben Bamber, who has been tipped for international honours, was particularly superb and no doubt his display would have interested England boss Steve Borthwick.
Sharks: Sticking with the Sharks theme and the South African version also had some joy of their own as they defeated Saracens 28-23 in their first game since John Plumtree departed. JP Pietersen has taken over and his side showed tremendous spirit to see off the three-time Champions Cup winners. Sarries did field an understrength team but that should not detract from the hosts’ success, who have endured a wretched start to the campaign.
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Stormers half-backs: Most expected them to dispatch La Rochelle with relative ease after the Frenchmen effectively threw in the white flag with their team selection but South African supporters would have been particularly pleased with how Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu linked up. They were of course partners in the Springboks set up but this was the first time they had played together at the Stormers. On the evidence of their performance on Saturday they could be difference-makers in their quest for silverware.
Ellie Kildunne: The England star has already enjoyed a stellar year, playing a key role in their Rugby World Cup triumph, but it could get even better after she was nominated for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Kildunne will battle with five other UK sports stars, including golfer Rory McIlroy and Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris. It is some company but the Red Roses full-back would be a hugely deserving winner.
COLD AS ICE!
Eben Etzebeth post: At least there was some sort of apology, but the decision from the Springboks lock to attempt to explain his eye gouge was probably unwise and also slightly bizarre. It wasn’t quite Rassie Erasmus post British and Irish Lions first Test, but it was not a particularly good look. Just take your medicine, offer a sincere apology and move on. To do what he did came across as rather crass, especially given the severity of his indiscretion.
Will Stuart injury: It looked concerning when the England prop was seen in a moon boot after being helped off in Bath’s victory over Munster and the worst was confirmed last week. Scans showed that he had suffered an Achilles rupture and appears certain to miss the rest of the season, which is absolutely gutting for a player who has enjoyed such an excellent 18 months. He had established himself as England’s first choice tighthead and was rewarded with a place on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
More weakened teams: Another week where various teams have decided to field understrength Champions Cup sides knowing that it may not impact their qualification hopes. While it will be a factor when it comes to the knockout stages, with seedings coming into play, you can understand why many teams are deciding to rotate. It is a shame but that is the nature of the current format.
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James Lowe: Ever since the Lions’ Test series in Australia, Lowe’s performances have suffered a not inconsiderable dip in form. Against Leicester Tigers the Ireland wing had a veritable stinker, but that is not the sole reason he appears in this section. His reaction to Adam Radwan’s legal tackle – in our view – was completely unnecessary. Radwan set himself for the hit and Lowe proceeded to jump, resulting in him being taken in the air. There was nothing the Leicester player could do so it was a surprise that a penalty was awarded and even more of a shock that it wasn’t reversed for Lowe starting a melee. Perhaps the wing’s frustration at his own performance caused that reaction but, either way, it was uncalled for.
Ronan O’Gara: The La Rochelle head coach’s latest run-in with officialdom has seen the Ireland legend receive yet another ban. It was revealed last week that O’Gara had received a two-match suspension after being sent-off in their 53-33 Top 14 defeat to Pau. The former fly-half was unhappy with the red card handed out to Antoine Hastoy in the opening minute of the clash and, after his continued protestations on the sideline, he was dismissed later in the game. It is not O’Gara’s first suspension and probably won’t be his last, but he certainly needs to rein it in.