Kiwis carving up the north: Champions Cup round two
While the All Blacks may have gone down to the Wallabies over the weekend, New Zealanders still had a few reasons to smile after another round of European action. Here’s a look at the top performers:
Nick Williams, Cardiff Blues
The big number eight opened the scoring for his Cardiff side, and it proved to a be a pretty important try as they went on to beat State Toulousain 17-15 in their European Champions Cup match. Williams used to ply his trade for the Auckland-based Blues back in the day and wasn’t far off making the All Blacks, before leaving to play for Ulster and Munster and ending up in Cardiff.
Telusa Veainu, Leicester Tigers
The former NZ under-20’s fullback was the star of the show at Welford Road, scoring a hat trick as the Tigers demolished Castres Olympique 54-29 in Champions Cup action. He also picked up 92 metres running off 11 carries. Veainu will mostly be remembered by NZ fans for his time at the Crusaders and Highlanders, as well as turning out at test level for Tonga. Former Hurricanes and Blues wing David Smith did his best for the losing side, running 92 metres off 18 carries.
Ma’a Nonu, Toulon
A man who needs no introduction made his 104-test cap experience count in Toulon’s 30-29 win over Benetton in the Champions Cup. His try assist, plus a haul of 20 points from the boot of Francois Trinh-Duc, proved to be the difference in what might have been a massive upset loss to the Italian side. Nonu clearly is enjoying his time at Toulon, and has been helped with the addition of league convert Semi Radradra outside him on the wing.
Peter Saili, Pau
Kiwi-laden Pau managed a great escape against Italian opposition too, this time against Zebre in the Challenge Cup. They triumphed 38-33 in Parma, thanks in part to a try to former Auckland and Blues number right Saili, scored in the 53rd minute. Pau can also boast former All Blacks Conrad Smith, Colin Slade, Jamie Mackintosh and Tom Taylor in their ranks, as well as Maori All Black Daniel Ramsay.
Victor Vito, La Rochelle
Another former All Black and Top 14 Player of the Year had a big game for La Rochelle, scoring a try, making nine tackles and running for 66 metres off 13 carries. Vito has been the epitome of the term ‘good investment’ for La Rochelle, helping them climb to the upper ranks of the Top 14 and bringing a strong work ethic. Fellow former All Black lock Jason Eaton also managed to get on the scoresheet in their 41-17 thrashing of Ulster in the Champions Cup.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments