Leicester Tigers crush Calvisano in European Challenge Cup clash
Leicester ran in nine tries to crush Rugby Calvisano 59-7 in their European Challenge Cup Pool Five match at Welford Road.
The Tigers blitzed the visitors with four tries inside the opening 16 minutes from Manu Tuilagi, two for Jonny May and Sam Lewis for a 26-0 lead at Welford Road, with George Ford landing three conversions.
Although the visitors reduced the deficit before the break to 19 points via a converted try from Lorenzo Cittadini, second-half tries from Tom Reffell, Adam Thompstone, Jake Kerr, Noel Reid and Telusa Veainu added an emphatic touch to the scoreline to make it three wins from three.
Bristol also maintained their 100 per cent unbeaten record in Pool Four with a superb 37-11 triumph over Stade Francais at Ashton Gate.
Although Lester Etien gave the visitors the lead with the game’s first try, Bristol went into the break with a 13-8 advantage courtesy of two Ian Madigan penalties either side of a Luke Morahan try.
A penalty apiece early in the second half ensured the tie was still close going into the final 20 minutes before Bristol ran away with the game with converted tries from Harry Thacker, Charles Piutau and Toby Fricker to secure a bonus-point win.
In the same pool, Zebre secured their first win of the tournament with a tight 27-24 victory over Brive.
Worcester secured a bonus point with a pulsating 34-28 win over Dragons at Sixways Stadium to end the visitors’ unbeaten start.
"It is probably his agent looking for another 100k. Nothing to do with us.”https://t.co/018KPEkaLj
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After a Aaron Wainwright try gave Dragons an early 7-3 lead, flanker Taine Basham was shown a red card in the 18th minute. A try from Ryan Mills helped put Worcester in front 13-10 at half-time.
Rhodri Williams edged Dragons ahead early in the second half before the home side finally took full advantage of the extra man with tries from Ollie Lawrence, Noah Heward and Jono Kitto. Despite a late Luke Baldwin try, Warriors held on for a crucial victory.
In Pool Two, Toulon remain unbeaten following a 37-17 win at home to London Irish.
France scrum-half Baptiste Serin scored two tries in the first half at the Stade Mayol, sandwiching Steve Mafi’s first try for London Irish that kept his side in touch at the break as the visitors trailed 15-10.
But Toulon grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck after the break via tries from Ramiro Moyano and Masivesi Dakuwaqa to open up a 27-10 advantage before two red cards soured the game for Toulon’s Theo Dachary and Irish flanker TJ Ioane.
Although Tom Fowlie grabbed a late try for the visitors, Toulon finished with a flourish as Moyano grabbed his second try.
Comments on RugbyPass
The strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
8 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
2 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
2 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
8 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
8 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
8 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
8 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
8 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
8 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to comments