Rugby Union Today: Who’s hot and who’s not
Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look back at the week’s events and give our rundown as to who’s thrived and who’s faltered.
What’s on the site
The Premiership and PRO14 began at the weekend and there were plenty of talking points from those games, which we have examined in ‘who’s hot and who’s not.’
There was also the second round of the Top 14 and the three domestic leagues in Europe are the focus of our quiz, so test your knowledge on the action which took place.
What’s in the news
Bristol received another boost as it was confirmed that full-back Charles Piutau would not need surgery on his injured shoulder and could be back by the end of October.
Worcester’s Cornell du Preez has not been as fortunate with the back-row requiring a further operation on his fractured larynx. Du Preez suffered the horrific injury against Wasps at the weekend and underwent emergency surgery following the incident, but is in a stable condition.
In further injury news, Israel Folau is rated as 50-50 for this weekend’s clash against South Africa. The full-back appears to have made a quicker than expected recovery from his ankle issue but may not be ready for the game against the Springboks.
What’s on social media
Following retirement, Sam Warburton has signed a deal to become a pundit with BT and the former back-row was not afraid to air his opinion on this article written by ex-player and current Sky Sports commentator Stuart Barnes.
You’ve sadly completely missed the point. 1. Encourages the jackal due to attack committing less players (turnovers essential to the game) ✅ 2. Increases amount of attacking players on their feet ✅ 3. Will emphasise technique and efficiency of 1st arriving cleanout ✅ https://t.co/mcKYUkw3s1
— Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) September 3, 2018
What’s on TV
The Rugby Championship returns this weekend with Sky Sports showing New Zealand’s clash against Argentina and Australia’s match with the Springboks.
They will also broadcast action from the Top 14, featuring Toulouse v La Rochelle and Toulon v Castres, while there are plenty of Currie Cup and Mitre 10 Cup games to enjoy.
On BT Sport, the channel have another four encounters from the Gallagher Premiership with Northampton, Wasps, Bath and Sale hosting Harlequins, Exeter, Gloucester and Worcester respectively.
Finally, in a bumper weekend of rugby, Premier Sport are once again showing the seven PRO14 contests which take place on the Friday and Saturday.