Catch up in the Rugby week that was: May 30 to June 5…
Mike Petri of USA tackles Saxon Micky Young at Franklins Gardens during the 2011 Churchill Cup
England Saxons started the Churchill Cup with an astounding 87-8 victory over the USA Eagles. The side featured a number of players who are vying for a World Cup spot, including Matt Stevens.
Cedric Heymans celebrates beating Montpellier in the Top 14 Fina
The Baa Baas headed to the Millenium Stadium on Saturday to take on Wales in a capped match which saw Stephen Jones pick up his hundredth cap for his country. Both Mike Phillips and Gavin Henson – who had to prove they’re worthy of a World Cup shirt, overshadowed the momentous occasion. Later that evening Warren Gatland named his 45-man squad, which included the club less duo. The Baa baas stole a win in the last minutes beating the boys in red, 28-31. Catch the highlights here…
Over to France where Toulose are the Top 14 champions after beating Montpellier 15-10 at Stade Francais. Head Coach Guy Noves must be relieved to be finishing the year with at least one piece of silverware.
Leeds have appointed Diccon Edwards as the new head coach, after they parted ways with Neil Back. Edwards returns to Yorkshire after working as the National Academy Coach and England U20 Assistant Coach for the RFU.
This week’s Weird and Wonderful…
Mike Phillips has been included in the 45-man Wales World Cup squad, but earlier in the week Gareth Thomas’s league side Crusaders have offered Phillips a discipline swap. It appears they feel the need to replace recent convert Willie Mason, I’m not sure if they are aware, but a one in one out policy doesn’t exist.
Heading down south…
Crusaders lose captain McCaw for the next two weeks due to the screw in his metatarsal causing irritation. He had the first six weeks off in order to have it inserted. It will prove a frustrating time for the All Black captain, as Super Rugby play off spots are being handed out shortly.
The Brumbies beat top of the table Queensland Reds 14-22 away from home. After being slated publicly by coach Tony Rea, the win couldn’t come at a better time. During the match, the tackle made by Brumbie Ita Vaea on Digby Ioane resulted in Ioane being knocked out cold. The dangerous tackle has resulted in him being suspended by the SANZAR board for one week. Here’s the highlights, the tackle is around the 4 minute mark…
Week in Review: May 23-29 | May 16-22 | May 9-15 | May 2 – 8