There was a mix of the glorious, the serious, the concerning, and the absurd in the rugby world this week.
There was a mix of the glorious, the serious, the concerning, and the absurd in the rugby world this week.
The Six Nations threw up two mega results for the ages, as Scotland beat the previously imperious France in magnificent fashion, before Italy claimed England’s scalp for the first time after 32 defeats that date back to the 1991 World Cup. Oh, and Ireland beat Wales.
Down south, Dave Rennie was handed the reigns of the All Blacks, and a remit to make them as feared as they once were, and the Blues and Reds enjoyed victories over their more successful rivals,
In the UK, former England scrumhalf Ben Youngs aired his documentary on concussion, the protocols, and lack there of for much of his playing days. As ever, the reaction has been one of alarm of what the players were expected to do, and how much they wanted to get around them.
Here’s what’s been warming ATR’s ear canals this week…
“That game was crazy. A 90 point game, it’s unheard of, especially France. Like, you know what they’re like, such a big unit, such a quality team, and who knew what they were going to bring today, and I think we done really well to stop it.”
Two-try Scotland wing Darcy Graham praises his team’s efforts:
“During the game we built that confidence and stuck close to them the whole game. Then when they got those two yellow cards we managed to get over the line. We fought together as always and that was the most important thing.”
Italy captain Michele Lamaro sums up his side’s memorable victory:
“It starts with winning possession. They did what they had to do well, and they put us under pressure. Their transition between winning possession and the first two passes before reaching midfield was excellent; they knew how to create space to dominate the collision around the ball carrier.”
Fabien Galthie tries to explain France’s defeat to Scotland:
“It’s obviously disappointing. It’s on us as players. We have to wear the performance. This team over the last year has put in good performances. We haven’t recently. We have to face that and get back to work.”
Maro Itoje is going to keep his head down after losing to Italy:
“We believe we can win games but it’s easy now to go and think just because we’ve had (encouraging) performances that the win will come. Just because we’ve had performances, which is creating confidence and belief in our group, we haven’t got a God-given right to go and get a win against Italy next Saturday.”
Wales coach Steve Tandy knows encouraging performances don’t mean wins are coming:
“That was a proper Test match. The intensity was unbelievably high throughout. We probably gave them easy access a few times, but I think we did well to stick in there.”
Yes, Jack Conan, a proper test match, all blood and thunder:
“I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play, and I look forward to working with the players, management team, and the rugby community. We have a lot of talent here and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud.”
We’re into the Dave Rennie era. How will New Zealand react?
“He’s got a very good win record against South Africa with Australia, so you guys should be shaking in your boots.”
Sir John Kirwan backs Rennie to redress the balance with South Africa:
“I knew the protocols. They give you five words to remember, so it’s elbow, apple, carpet, saddle, bubble. I managed to get through the walking tests and all of that stuff, and then when it came to the words, I knew them off by heart, so I knew I was going to get straight back on.”
Anthony Watson admits to hiding his concussion to get back on the pitch for the Lions:
“I used to always go, but then I got banned and couldn’t go for the next couple of years. This is the first time that I joined since I was banned, and I’m glad that I did.
Welcome back to World Rugby’s Shape of the Game party Rassie Erasmus. Did they miss you?
“Whilst in transit during Round Three of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, an incident occurred involving the vehicle carrying the Championship trophy. Thankfully, no passengers were injured. However, the trophy sustained fire damage and following an assessment by the official trophy manufacturer, unfortunately it cannot be restored to its full presentation standard.
Don’t worry, there’s a spare Six Nations trophy knocking around, they won’t use an egg cup:
“USA Rugby will now have three competition categories: Men’s Division, Women’s Division and Open Division. The Open Division will permit any athlete, regardless of gender assigned at birth and gender identity, to compete in USA Rugby-sanctioned events.”
USA Rugby announce a space for trans athletes to compete:
“It’ll be an ongoing discussion with Rugby Australia to see where the depth of our squad is, where our injuries are, and whether there’ll be some allowances for certain players.”
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham tries to juggle his squad within World Rugby load management rules:
“Mr. Guillaume Piazzoli was found guilty of ‘brutality,’ specifically of ‘striking with his knee.’ After considering mitigating circumstances (expression of remorse, admission of guilt, and conduct before and during the hearing), the suspension was reduced by three weeks.”
A Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) statement explains Provence back rower Guillaume Piazzoli’s 19-match, his fifth since 2019 and third for attacking a player on the ground:
“I’m at my best with a chip on my shoulder and have something to prove. Now I’m older, I know how to manage that, not be stupid and go over the edge at times. I’m maturing, turning 30 this year, and I’ve found what suits me and understand what my best looks like.”
Queensland Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto hopes age will bring wisdom: