It’s been a big weekend of rugby in the Nations Championship…
And it’s not been a great one for the southern hemisphere, all things considered.
Here’s the run down.
France edge South Africa in classic
France and South Africa played out on the game of the year on Friday night local time at a raucous Stade de France, with Les Bleus running out winners 21-19 in a genuine thriller. Odds on a repeat in the final in two weeks time are shortening by the hour…
Want an indication as to how furious a pace that match was contested at? Check out the final seconds in this clip – especially one of the all-time great tackles by Louis Bielle-Biarrey on Jesse Kriel.
Hook that crowd noise into the veins of every French player and they’ll never lose a Test again. Astonishing.
Wales stun All Blacks
On Saturday, Wales pulled off the shock of the year, ending a 53-year drought against the All Blacks to win 35-28 in front of a dazed and confused Cardiff crowd, who are probably still in the cities bars and clubs toasting the most unlikely of successes.
England crush Japan
England dealt a thumping of epic proportions to their former coach, Eddie Jones, thrashing Japan 78-15 at Twickenham. Of the 13 tries England scored, five came via Will Joseph, a record-equalling haul for the man winning his second Test cap — the first of which was given to him by Jones…
Ireland labour to win over Fiji
Ireland overcame a spirited Fijian side 43-15rousing themselves after a very sluggish start to win in Dublin. Special mention to Ulster debutant James McNabney, who came on, made a bullocking run down the middle of the pitch, got to within a hair’s breadth of the try line, before a swinging arm from Inoke Ravuiwasa knocked him clean out. Pretty eventful debut.
Pumas tame Italy in Genoa
Only Argentina held up the end of the southern hemisphere, edging past winless Italy 19-14 in Genoa. I have nothing smart or clever to say about this one.
Source: www.abc.net.au
