Rugby Union Today: Team of the Week and Hot and Not
Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look back at the action in the Autumn Nations Cup and name our best XV from the matches that took place.
What’s on the site
France were hugely impressive at the weekend, despite succumbing to England in the Autumn Nations Cup final, and they are rewarded with five players in our Team of the Week.
That competition is also discussed in ‘Who’s hot and who’s not,’ which delves into the main talking points from the past seven days. We look at the performance of Nemani Nadolo for Fiji and the major controversy from last week, involving Argentina trio Pablo Matera, Guido Petti and Santiago Socino.
Elsewhere, Red Rose boss Eddie Jones went on a rant following their win over Les Bleus, slating those that have criticised the team’s style of play.
What’s in the news
France flanker Cameron Woki was proud of his side’s display as they came so close to upsetting the odds and defeating a fully-loaded England at Twickenham. The game was described as a ‘farce’ before kick-off as an inexperienced French outfit was named, but Woki said it ended up being ‘a French force.’
Meanwhile, Wales wing Josh Adams rated their year as a ‘6.5’ out of 10. Wayne Pivac’s men have struggled in 2020 but Adams insists that it is not all doom and gloom as they look towards the 2021 Six Nations.
Finally, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s punishment for his red card has been revealed. The second-row was sent off for a dangerous tackle against Argentina in the Tri Nations and he has duly been suspended for four weeks.
What’s on social media
World Rugby is in the firing line for their inaction over the controversy surrounding Pablo Matera, Guido Petti and Santiago Socino.
"Rugby wants to combat racism, until it has to combat racism."
"Where is World Rugby in all of this? The message it sends to someone like me is that you don't care enough."
An impassioned statement from @ugomonye following Pablo Matera's social media comments.#RugbyTonight pic.twitter.com/FUv5jvPtYn
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) December 6, 2020
What’s on TV
After the Autumn Nations Cup action, the focus turns to European matters and the start of the Champions Cup. The matches will be shown on BT Sport, with Northampton Saints and Bordeaux-Begles kicking things off on Friday.
Meanwhile, with the seasons in New Zealand and Australia over following the denouement of the Tri Nations, the attention has switched to South Africa where the Currie Cup continues on Sky Sports.