The Springboks delivered a record-smashing performance this weekend, utterly dominating the All Blacks in a historic defeat, while Conor Murray stirs controversy with his sharp critique of a former coach. Here's the lowdown on who's sizzling hot and who's ice cold in the world of rugby.
The Springboks, under the strategic guidance of Rassie Erasmus, came out swinging against the All Blacks, overturning a halftime deficit to claim a resounding 43-10 victory. After shaking up the backline, Erasmus' men dazzled, particularly in the second half, leaving the All Blacks struggling in their wake. This match wasn’t just a win; it was a declaration of dominance, with the Springboks crossing the try line six times to the All Blacks' one.
Damian Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe were standout performers. Willemse, starting at inside centre before moving to full-back, was a force of nature on the field, snagging a try and the Player of the Match title. Kolbe, not to be outdone, added two tries, slicing through New Zealand's defence with apparent ease.
"Damian's versatility and skill were on full display today, a testament to his hard work and determination,"
praised Erasmus post-match.In other news, Louis Rees-Zammit made a notable return to rugby union, appearing for Bristol Bears after his brief NFL stint. Despite a 24-15 loss to Sale Sharks, his performance was a positive takeaway. "It’s great to see Louis back on the rugby field," commented Bristol's director of rugby, Pat Lam.
Meanwhile, Santiago Carreras was instrumental in Argentina's narrow 28-26 victory over Australia, with his impeccable place-kicking turning the tide in the Pumas' favor.
In contrast, the All Blacks faced a tough critique after their dismal performance, marking their heaviest Test defeat. Head coach Scott Robertson lamented the myriad unforced errors and the lack of cohesion. The Wallabies also faced criticism for their poor discipline in their loss to Argentina, doubling the penalties of their opponents, a mistake they'll be eager to correct.
Adding to the drama, Conor Murray openly criticized former Munster head coach Graham Rowntree in his new book, a move that has divided opinions.
"I just didn't rate Rowntree, didn't see a lot of rugby knowledge there,”
Murray confessed, sparking debates across rugby forums.Finally, a biting allegation at the Women’s World Cup against France’s Axelle Berthoumieu was dismissed, but not without causing a stir during the quarter-finals.
From record victories to controversial critiques, this weekend in rugby was anything but dull, setting the stage for some intense matchups and perhaps some introspection for the teams at the bottom of this week's hot or not list.