Catch up in the Rugby week that was: May 23-29…it’s been a long one…
Schalk Brits and co celebrate winning the 2011 Aviva Premiership
Everyone loves a Bank holiday, especially when it’s littered with so many sporting events! But what everyone loves more are Championship deciders. And boy have they been eventful…
Proud moment: Dad Andy Farrell with son Owen Farrell at Twickenham
To Twickenham where the Aviva Premiership Final do-over was held between Leicester Tigers and Saracens. The nail-biting final proved to be a tale of the boot, bar the only try scored by James Short nearly on the half hour mark, with an assist by Man of the Match Schalk Brits. In the end Owen Farrell held his nerve and proved his worth, kicking Saracens to their first premiership title beating Leicester 18-22.
Thomond Park was the venue for the Magners League Final, on Saturday where Munster proved too much for European Champions Leinster beating them 19-9. They may be the Kings of Europe but Munster brought them back down to Earth with a bump, denying them a fairy-tale end to the season.
Marler receiving treatment
England faced the Baa Baas at Twickenham on Sunday, with what can be considered a Saxons team. It was a try-fest at Twickenham as it witnessed yet another thrilling game at the weekend which saw the Baa baas claim a 38-32 victory.
Gavin Henson has been added to the unemplyed list, leaving Toulon due to their lack of budget next year and Henson’s probable World Cup commitments with Wales.
Wednesday night was the 13th annual RPA Computacenter Rugby Players’ Awards at Grosvenor House Hotel, and the RugbyWorld team must have been well behaved because we were all allowed out for the night. And a beautiful night it was. The winners of the evening were…
Finally, a quick look to the goings-on in the Southern Hemisphere…
The Waratahs are running low on luck about now, and boy does coach Chris Hickey know it. After their 26-21 loss to the Sharks, their injury bench now includes Sekope Kepu (knee), Ryan Cross (knee), Berrick Barnes (head), plus Drew Mitchell (ankle).
Sitting proudly at the top of the Super Rugby table are the Reds, after Quade Cooper kicked (a last minute penalty) them to a 17-16 historic victory over the Crusaders at Suncorp. That’s now 12 straight home wins in case you were wondering.