Sunday Social: Clinical Crusaders and fervent Jaguares

David Skippers
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It is time for Planet Rugby’s Sunday Social, your quirky recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the week’s action.

We kick off with the Super Rugby semi-finals and in particular the clash in Christchurch between the Crusaders and Hurricanes. It was a great game – filled with plenty of thrilling action and drama – and both sides were praised for their part in the contest.

The match was a momentous one for TJ Perenara, who became the most capped Hurricanes player. Former All Blacks team-mate – Bristol Bears back-row – Steven Luatua congratulated him on his feat.

There was plenty of hype around the fly-half battle, between Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett, and Mo’unga continued to impress as he played a leading role for the champions.

Former All Blacks and Hurricanes wing Cory Jane acknowledged that it was a wonderful game and singled out some of his former team-mates for special praise.

The Crusaders showed why they are the tournament’s defending champions with this brilliant try from Sevu Reece in the second half.

The big talking point after the match was this indiscretion from Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock which had a big impact on the result and Perenara did not hold back when asked for his opinion on the incident.

The Crusaders’ win in that game and the Jaguares’ triumph over the Brumbies, in the other semi-final, meant that two Leicester Tigers-bound players – the Crusaders’ Jordan Taufua and Tomas Lavanini of the Jaguares – will be facing off in the Super Rugby Final.

The Jaguares delivered a superb all-round performance as they reached their first final after a comfortable win over the Brumbies in Buenos Aires.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont congratulated the Argentine outfit on their magnificent achievement.

There was plenty of passion in the Jaguares’ ranks ahead of their semi-final.

In other news, Leicester Tigers front-row Greg Bateman has received plenty of praise and support after revealing that he is battling depression.

Elsewhere, the Premiership Player of the Year, Danny Cipriani, has finally earned a recall to the England squad.

Kudos to England coach Eddie Jones, who spent time coaching youngsters in aid of former England centre Will Greenwood’s charity.

Defending champions England made a good start to their Women’s Rugby Super Series campaign.

And on a lighter note, in Australia, the Star Observer reminded former Wallabies and Waratahs star Israel Folau of the time he supported the LGBTI community.

Crusaders