What’s Hot and What’s Not From August!
From Rugby World reader, Larissa Falls

Got any to add?

Hot:

Tri-Nations… Open-side flanker battles, the sell-out game in Soweto and a try fest at Loftus. Hougaard’s try saving tackle and Smit and Matfield’s 100th caps. The All Blacks comeback and their Tri Nations title

Alphonsi…She’s not called ‘Maggie the Machine’ for nothing!

Sky Sports…Televising, for the first time, the WRWC. Great to see the women’s game getting the coverage that’s been lacking for too long.

Newcastle… For personally reimbursing supporters for the Portugal trip.

Southland… Their 100% record in the ITM Cup

WRWC… Alphonsi’s tackle count. Hohepa, Pocock, Moyse and Barras’ hat tricks. Lots of tries, little kicking and no red cards. Sold out crowds, the Black Ferns 17 consecutive world cup wins and South Africa’s first.

Not:

IRFU Autumn Ticketing…Having to buy tickets for all games as a package. What about travelling supporters; could this end up costing the IRFU ticket sales?

French Top 14 Scheduling… Three rounds played within 9 days (twice), and another 2 matches played in six days.

Red Tape… Brackin Karauria-Henry blocked from representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games even though he’s played for them in all 8 legs of the IRB World 7’s series.

Top 14 Big Guns… Racing Metro and Perpignan beaten by Montpellier, Bayonne ending the 19 month unbeaten home stretch of Toulon, while they in turn won at Biarritz for the first time in 29 years.