Who's hot…and who's not!
It is time for Planet Rugby's weekly wrap of who has their name in lights right now…and who is making the headlines for the wrong reasons.
It is time for Planet Rugby's weekly wrap of who has their name in lights right now…and who is making the headlines for the wrong reasons…
They're smokin'!
London Welsh: The Aviva Premiership new-boys proved the pundits wrong for the second time in six days after securing their second victory in as many weeks when they beat Sale Sharks 19-29 away from home. After their debut win over Exeter the previous week, the newly-promoted Exiles showed again that they have what it takes to match most of the teams in the top tier.
Jamie Roberts: It's been a long wait, but the Cardiff Blues and Wales centre finally made his rugby comeback since having knee surgery five months ago. And what better way to celebrate his return to action with a try (his first for the Blues in 28 months) that helped the Welsh region to a hard-fought bonus-point victory over Treviso at Cardiff Arms Park.
Golden Lions: In a rematch of last year's final, the defending Currie Cup champions roared to the top of the standings thanks to a crucial 28-22 win over the Sharks. In a congested table, the Lions have now opened up a three-point lead at the top with three rounds left.
Hawke's Bay v Bay of Plenty: The ITM Cup continues to impress and this pulsating match between two sides facing relegation was certainly no exception. In a helter-skelter contest that saw 11 tries scored, Hawke's Bay – who looked dead and buried when they were behind by six points – scored a last-gasp try in injury-time to beat Bay of Plenty 42-41.
Get these guys a cup of warm soup!
Sale: Booed off the field by some of their supporters, Sale's players looked dejected after suffering their fourth consectutive defeat of the season following last Friday's loss to London Welsh, which now sees one of the pre-tournament favourites sitting last on the Aviva Premiership standings. It's no wonder new head coach Bryan Redpath had to issue an apology to Sharks' fans – though it's true when they say actions speak louder than words.
Quade Cooper: Love him or hate him, outspoken Wallabies star Quade Cooper hit the headlines once again for all the wrong reasons after he criticised the strategy of coach Robbie Deans ahead of Australia's clash with South Africa. When a Twitter follower told Cooper he should be able to play his attacking game, the Reds fly-half responded with a thinly veiled shot at Deans' conservative approach: “I am allowed from February to May sir,” Cooper said, in reference to his Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie allowing him to dictate the game. “I love rugby but there's s_t going on behind and above the players (that affects) the whole organisation!”. The Australian Rugby Union has written to Cooper in relation to his social media comments, and it's no surprise he hasn't posted a single tweet this week.
Morne Steyn: Even though it was a long time coming, Springbok head coach Heyneke Meyer dropped playmaker Morne Steyn – a player he has long defended – for South Africa's Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld (Steyn's home ground). Steyn's form deserted him as the Springboks drew in Argentina and then lost to Australia (in Perth) and New Zealand. His woeful kicking performance two weeks ago in Dunedin was the final straw. And with 41 caps, the seasoned campaigner was relegated to the sidelines.
European Cup stalemate: The future of the Heineken Cup still remains in doubt after a five-hour meeting in Dublin between 17 executives broke up on Tuesday without a resolution. European Rugby Cup Ltd executives portrayed a sense of unity among the six competing nations, stating that “productive” talks with all stakeholders would resume in Rome on October 8. But Premiership Rugby, representing the English clubs, remain at odds with ERC after both parties signed conflicting television deals which are due to begin in 2014.
By Dave Morris