It’s Monday again, which means it’s time to recap the weekend’s rugby action and see who is shining and who is struggling.
Starting off with the positives, the All Blacks had a successful outing against Japan, securing a 64-19 win. Players like Wallace Sititi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Billy Proctor, and Sevu Reece stood out, giving coach Scott Robertson some tough decisions to make for the upcoming clash with England.
In Wales, it was a weekend of victories for the regions, with Scarlets, Ospreys, and Cardiff all coming out on top. The Dragons were the only team to fall short, but overall, it was a positive showing for Welsh rugby.
In England, there was good news for the national team as 17 players were awarded enhanced Elite Player Squad contracts. This move will allow coach Steve Borthwick more control over sports science and medical matters, setting the team up for success in the future.
Turning to the Premiership, Bath, Leicester, and Bristol are leading the pack heading into the international break. Saracens are not far behind, making for an exciting start to the season.
On the flip side, Newcastle, Exeter, and Sale had a tough weekend, suffering defeats in their respective matches. England also faces a setback as key forward Ollie Chessum is set to miss November’s games due to a knee injury.
In South Africa, the Springboks are dealing with injuries to key players, including Frans Malherbe, who will miss out on the Autumn Nations Series. This is a blow to the team as they prepare to face tough competition.
Overall, it was a weekend of highs and lows in the world of rugby. While some teams celebrated victories and positive developments, others faced challenges and setbacks. As we look ahead to the next round of matches, it will be interesting to see how teams respond and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the sport.