Limping over the line - 5 takeaways from the weekend's Autumn Nations Cup action
England and France will contest the final of the Autumn Nations Cup at Twickenham on Sunday after the rivals posted big wins in the final round of group matches. Here the PA news agency examines five things we learned from Saturday’s action.
Limping over the line
The Autumn Nations Cup has been more a test of endurance than a rugby feast for the eyes. Tournament organisers deserve credit for staging an alternative to the traditional end-of-year tours by the southern hemisphere giants that were scuppered by coronavirus, but a gruellingly contrived format will limp to a lame conclusion when an eagerly awaited rematch between England and France is robbed of credibility by politics across the Channel. A blood and thunder final could have rescued the event, but instead Les Bleus will be taking the reserves to Twickenham.
England left chasing shadows
In February, France engineered the only defeat of England’s year to launch a welcome post-World Cup revival that would have received its most compelling examination in London on Sunday. However, a deal struck between France and the Top 14 under pressure from clubs indignant at the imposition of an extended international window means Fabien Galthie can only select each player three times across a campaign spanning six matches. Choosing to pick superstars such as Antoine Dupont and Virimi Vakatawa earlier in the competition has left him with a shadow XV for the climax to the year.
In the doldrums
And how the sport could do with the likes of Dupont and Vakatawa to strut their stuff at Twickenham. Even for purists, rugby is becoming an increasingly joyless spectacle scarred by an over-emphasis on set-piece and defence and endless exchanges of kicking. Optimists are hoping it is part of a post-World Cup downwards cycle that will soon give way to greater excitement, but for the time being the game has lost its way. Notes of frustration can be heard from players of all nations as they struggle to find and create space on a field that seems more congested than ever. How the competition has missed the genius of Fiji, who have sat out the entire group stage because of an aggressive outbreak of coronavirus, and swashbuckling Japan – who were unable to take part for travel reasons.
Hurry back fans
Historically, part of international rugby’s appeal has been the tension created by matches hanging in the balance entering the final quarter. The equivalent to what are called the championship rounds in boxing often separate rivals, who for the previous 60 minutes have fought so hard to gain any edge. But without fans providing colour and passion, the taut atmospheres that can mask sub-standard play are missing and the drama suffers as a result. The return of spectators cannot come soon enough.
England march on
Even Eddie Jones hinted at a degree of exasperation as England showed glimmers of attacking hope in a hard-fought victory at Parc y Scarlets before relying on penalties by Owen Farrell to sweep them beyond reach. It might not have been pretty but it was effective as the danger of an all-too familiar ambush on Welsh soil was averted in business-like fashion. They might not be winning new fans, but they are a serious team who would relish the chance to settle a score against world champions South Africa.
Comments on RugbyPass
Well said Mils. It is a big boost at last having Fergus Burke back at 10 for the Crusaders. Had a great season last year as the article says. Mils is also right about captain Codie Taylor’s performance in his return to the Crusaders last week. He was all class.
4 Go to commentsLet’s make them both Capt. I think we'd get the best of both of them and it would help alleviate some of the pressures of the role. They'd have to confer over on field decisions which should lead to “ learnings “ for both. They are our two best consistent performers.
16 Go to commentsOur best player by far..but not a good Captain..poor tactician cost the AB'S and Canes games by not taking the easy points and going for tries when the lineouts were a shambles..can he read a game? And his throat slitting gesture should disqualify him from the AB Captaincy..it is not the appropriate behaviour of an AB Captain.
16 Go to commentsForget what was said or how many players said it. TONY BROWN IS THE NEW ATTACK COACH. That’s the only story worth freaking out over. The springboks are going to grow their game an awful lot over the next cycle and it’s not just the 19 disgustingly arrogant Irish players who refused to shake Ebens hand and said “see you in the final if you can cheat your way past France” who will find that out first hand.
121 Go to commentsOn one hand I think it's a bit ridiculous that this gar into the season and with only 2 wins the Crusaders may make the finals. On the other hand if it was only top 4 or 5, then that last several weeks may be mainly dead rubbers. Nope, 8th place after round robin shouldn't be able to lift the trophy.
4 Go to commentsI do think the media in NZ treated him badly. Sam is a legend. He is humble, a great rugby mind and leader. What happened in the final could happen to anyone. The margins is so fine these days. I lay blame at the feet of the coaching staff and NZ rugby. The stats tell’s all. The AB’s was the worst disciplined side in the WC with more red and yellow cards than anyone else. Problem is NZ rugby is not training their players to play safer. And thats the danger a fast game brings. More yellow and red cards. But Sam Cane in my eye was and still is a great ambassador for the game, that just had a stroke of bad luck.
5 Go to commentsI hope Jim and co. Add this to their list of icebreaker questions they can ask all their guests going forward. So we can eventually hear what everyone thinks about this subject. “What do you think Ireland meant…”
121 Go to commentsHe’s a dominant personality. That might be both a good and bad thing in team dynamics. Certainly it ruined Smith’s first crack at 10 with Owen at 12. BTW, Bristol flatter to deceive. When things really matter, they tend to deliver less rather than more. Farrell would have been good for them
36 Go to commentsGot a lot of over the top abuse from Crusader fans, in particular, who thought every 7 they had was miles better. Now we will see if anyone is better? Laid his body on the line every game so finishing early makes sense. A lot of life left after rugby.
5 Go to commentsA poor decision to appoint Carley as not only is Pearce a better referee but also importantly speaks French.
2 Go to commentsHe is 100 % on the mark. Malicious arrogance with a lack of respect for the other teams mostly the south. they must learn from True rugby nations like the Boks and Kiwis
121 Go to commentsThis Outiniqua boy has played sublime rugby and deserves a spot in BI LIONS team. Well played son
4 Go to commentsI don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
36 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
36 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
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