The Sunwolves beat the Stormers in Japan, the Jaguares are showing their class, and drama at the SuperSport studios, as we wrap up the five talking points from round 14 of Super Rugby.
Sunwolves de-rail Stormers Super Rugby play-off hopes
An 84th-minute drop goal from Hayden Parker de-railed the Stormers 2018 Super Rugby campaign as the Cape side lost their eighth of the season after a 26 – 23 loss. And with tough fixtures against the Lions, Jaguares (away) and the Sharks, it could all be the end of the road for the Cape Town franchise.
The Sunwolves picked up their second consecutive win in the competition. But for the Stormers, they face an uphill battle now in a desperate attempt to make the playoffs as a wildcard.
Jaguares Rising to the Occasion
A classy Jaguares side completed a five-match winning streak after blowing the Bulls away 54 – 24 in Argentina. They’ve secured victories in all four of their matches during their tour to Australasia. They’re currently 25/1 to win the tournament and with a game in hand ahead of their match against the Sharks in Argentina, the Lions could lose top spot in the South African conference, as they head down to Newlands this weekend.
With four matches remaining against SA opposition- the Jaguares look a good bet to make the playoffs. They’ll first host the Sharks, followed by the Stormers before they travel to South Africa to take on the Bulls and the Sharks again.
Waratahs break 40-game losing streak after Kung Fu Kick
Tevita Nabura was sent off after he collected a high ball and kicked a Waratahs player in the face, whether it was intentional or not, the act gave the Tahs the imputes they needed to win 41 – 12. With that win, the New South Wales franchise still lead the Australian conference with five fixtures remaining and broke a record stretching back 40 matches in which the hadn’t beaten a New Zealand franchise.
—Rory Arnold banned for three weeks
Brumbies lock, Rory Arnold, was given his marching orders after a second bookable offence when he made a late dangerous tackle on Springbok and Lions flyhalf, Elton Jantjies. The flyhalf was not injured after the tackle but SANZAAR’s foul play review committee accepted Arnold’s guilty plea for breaking law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Arnold has been banned from all competitions for three weeks.
Ashwin Willemse walks off the SuperSport set during a live broadcast.
Ashwin Willemse walked off the SuperSport set during the broadcast of the Lions vs Brumbies match after what seemed to be an argument with Nick Mallet and Naas Botha. Willemse said: “he was also labelled a ‘quota player’ and refused to be patronised by two individuals who played in an apartheid/segregated era”.
Willemse went on to say he “can’t work with people who undermine other people” and that he was “glad it happened on live TV so that people can see”.
SuperSport have released the following statement after the incident.
SuperSport has taken note of the strong public sentiment and we take this matter seriously. Whatever the findings, appropriate action will be taken to remedy the situation,” Mawela said in a SuperSport statement.
SuperSport have also acknowledged the comments from SA Minister of Sport Thokozile Xasa in which she called for Mallett and Botha to be suspended.
The broadcaster has confirmed that it will engage with the minister’s office on the issue.
“Prejudice of any sort will not be tolerated by SuperSport,” the statement concluded.
The incident sparked a massive reaction from the public with the topic trending for three days straight on Twitter.
