Rugby Union Today: Super Rugby TOTW
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 15: Quade Cooper of the Rebels during the round one Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Rebels at GIO Stadium onon February 15, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)
Another busy day in the rugby union game as we named our standout XV from the games that took place in Super Rugby at the weekend.
What’s on the site
The Rebels defeated the Brumbies while defending champions Crusaders overcame the Blues in Super Rugby at the weekend and they are rewarded with the most representatives in our Team of the Week.
That competition is also featured in ‘who’s hot and who’s not,’ where we discuss Quade Cooper’s return after being exiled by Brad Thorn last season and the Stormers’ poor opening to the campaign.
There was also plenty of action in Europe and there is a quiz on what happened there, as well as the southern hemisphere’s premier competition.
Finally, check out the highlights in the Premiership, PRO14 and Top 14, where Northampton, Benetton and Perpignan all picked up impressive results.
What’s in the news
Scotland have recalled Worcester fly-half Duncan Weir as cover for Finn Russell, who suffered a head injury playing for Racing 92 at the weekend, while Zander Fagerson also returns to the squad.
Elsewhere, there has been plenty of transfer news with Racing confirming that Dan Carter has signed for them on a deal until the end of the season following Pat Lambie’s retirement.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that Liam Squire will depart New Zealand rugby after the World Cup having signed a two-year deal to play in Japan for the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.
Finally, English Premiership clubs Wasps and Worcester have been busy in the market bringing in Matteo Minozzi and Melani Nanai from Zebre and the Blues respectively.
What’s on social media
Julian Savea released this statement on Twitter following Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal’s outburst after their defeat to Agen on Saturday. Boudjellal criticised the former All Black and effectively said he is now not wanted at the French club.
Putting all the negativity behind me and heading into this week with a positive attitude🤘🏾whether I am welcomed or not I am still contracted to my team and I will continue to train week in and week out with my brothers #endofstory #letsmoveon pic.twitter.com/y7QBqLOyVV
— Julian Savea (@juliansavea7) February 17, 2019
And plenty have come out in support of Savea.
This type of carry on from @mouradrct won’t exactly entice other players to play for @RCTofficiel ..
Business or not you just don’t treat ppl like this.
Good luck wherever you play next bro! @juliansavea7 https://t.co/rIYHm9QQHL
— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) February 17, 2019
Not surprised 😡 In 2008 he spoke to us in the changing rm after a captains run & threatened to cut all our contracts if we didnt win that game to gain automatic promo to Top 14. In the same rm were legends like Gregan, Matfield, A Oliver + Mertens.
— Tino Jnr Poluleuligaga (@JIP2EZY) February 17, 2019
What’s on TV
The Six Nations returns with Wales v England at the Principality Stadium the big clash. The BBC will show that game, as well as the preceding France v Scotland contest, while ITV have Italy’s encounter against Ireland.
Super Rugby Round Two also takes place this weekend with Sky Sports televising all the action, starting with the Highlanders hosting the Reds in Dunedin, while they will also broadcast two Top 14 matches.
On BT Sport, they have a couple of Premiership games as Gloucester host Saracens and Worcester Warriors face Leicester Tigers in a Midlands derby.
Completing a packed schedule is the PRO14, which is once again extensively covered by Premiers Sports, with Ospreys v Munster the standout.