Sunday Social: End of an era and mistaken identity
It is time for Planet Rugby’s Sunday Social, your quirky recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past week’s action.
We begin in Cape Town, where it was a sad day as the world famous Newlands stadium hosted its last match on Saturday – the Currie Cup semi-final between Western Province and the Sharks. It was a surreal ending to the iconic venue as there were no spectators at the match due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
All set for the last dance at DHL Newlands with kick-off of the Carling Currie Cup semifinal between DHL WP and the Cell C Sharks at 16h30. #WPvSHA #wpjoulekkerding #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/FqsC7djt3V
— WP RUGBY (@WP_RUGBY) January 23, 2021
Several players paid homage to Newlands on social media and amongst them were Glasgow Warriors and Scotland front-row Oli Kebble, who started his career as a Western Province and Stormers player.
Had so many good memories at Newlands from going to watch games as a kid to realizing a dream and playing on that hallowed turf. Sad to see the last game being played there without its most loyal supporters. Thank you Newlands 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Cn5eHkgDxX
— Oli Kebble (@olikebble) January 24, 2021
Another ex-WP and Stormers player, Western Force and USA utility back Marcel Brache, also has fond memories of the ground which hosted its first match back in 1888.
Hard to believe that was the final rugby game at beautiful Newlands.
Thank you for all that you gave me. I’ll never forget your sounds, your smells, the sights within your beauty…but most of all, thank you for all that you made me feel. I’m living a dream because of that.
🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/wdQHy4uEjC— Marcel Brache (@brache87) January 24, 2021
Referee Stuart Berry also shared how he felt about the renowned stadium.
There has never been a more close & intimate stadium that I have refereed at over the past 20 years. Thanks for so many special memories Newlands – it’s the one thing we get keep forever and take home at the end of the day. https://t.co/fMi45TOx3z
— Stuart Berry (@stu_berry) January 24, 2021
Elsewhere, former Wasps and England prop Tim Payne made a desperate request to the captain of Australia’s national cricket team, Tim Paine, after the rugby player was mistaken for the cricketer and trolled by Indian cricket fans following their country’s Test series win over the Aussies in Brisbane.
Hi @tdpaine36, can you help me out here. I’m doing my best. Hope you’re well.
— Tim Payne (@timpayne_1) January 15, 2021
One Indian cricket fan even suggested Paine should retire but mistakenly tagged Payne, who saw the funny side and tweeted this reply.
I don’t think I should retire
— Tim Payne (@timpayne_1) January 19, 2021
Meanwhile, Northampton Saints’ social media team gave us two versions of their first-choice fly-half, Dan Biggar/Dan Smaller.
😂 Mini Saints…
Dan Biggar: Dan Smallar: pic.twitter.com/8zl3ksghvi
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) January 21, 2021
With Joe Biden recently inaugurated as the USA’s 46th president, the All Blacks reminded us of the time Jerome Kaino and Charlie Faumuina gifted Biden a signed All Blacks jersey with his name and the number 15 on the back during his visit to New Zealand in 2016.
Congratulations @POTUS 👏🏾
That jersey will sure look good in the Oval Office 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gj95LzuCtI
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) January 20, 2021
It didn’t take long for Irish Rugby to respond and they did it in style by reminding the All Blacks of a congratulatory message they received from Biden following their historic win over New Zealand in Chicago in 2016.
Hi @AllBlacks, we've talked about this before…
😀 https://t.co/6NJr6XpGTS pic.twitter.com/RkyRs2G4gk— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 21, 2021
With Covid-19 paranoia at an all-time high around the world, Leicester Tigers and England front-row Ellis Genge revealed something which somebody told him in a bid to counter the virus.
“Sorry we can’t butter your bread due to health and safety” are words I never thought I’d hear.
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) January 21, 2021
While we enjoyed this throwback from the Six Nations of Wales second-row Alan Martin slotting a long-range goal-kick in a Test against England.
Because who doesn’t love seeing a number 4️⃣ kicking for goal from 45 metres out?! 🤷 #GuinnessSixNations 🏉 pic.twitter.com/eGsxwf2BwH
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 19, 2021
And finally… Nothing wrong with this hit although the tackler should work on his timing.
Textbook tackle, there's just one problem…😬pic.twitter.com/nnWx1j9tXL
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) January 23, 2021