Cooper, Genia rolling back the years, Bulls are SA’s best, Pollard on fire, and the Lions bounce back in Round 4 of the 2019 Super Rugby. Check out five talking points from the past weekend!
Bulls are SA’s best
The Bulls’ emphatic 37-14 win over the Sharks at Loftus underlined their status as the best team in the land. They may only sit two-points ahead of the men from Durban on the standings, but Saturday’s result ensured they have now beaten all three of South Africa’s franchises. Despite having fallen foul to a Jaguares ambush in the second round, there’s little doubt that Pote Human’s charges represent the Republic’s best hopes in 2019. They will head into next week’s bye very happy men.
Pollard on fire
The Bulls’ pivot once again enjoyed a fantastic afternoon, scoring 22-points via two conversions, five penalties and a drop goal. The most encouraging aspect of his performance, however, must be his game management. Certainly, the 24-year-old’s tactical kicking and desicion-making has been phenomenal so far and he will be central to everything the Bulls, and indeed the Springboks in 2019.
Lions bounce back
Following two bad losses, Swys de Bruin’s Lions came roaring back this weekend in seeing off the ever-dangerous Jaguares 47-39 in Johannesburg. While their defence was a tad shaky at times, their seven tries put the result beyond doubt with as many as six different players dotting down. One of them, the exciting Wandisile Simelane, had an afternoon to remember with the 20-year-old centre producing a fine performance in the midfield. The men in red can yet have a say this season and Saturday’s display was a reminder of that.
Cooper, Genia rolling back the years
The infamous halfback partnership of Quade Cooper and Will Genia seem to be recapturing the form that once made them so feared throughout the rugby world. Their sparkling display in the Rebels’ narrow 29-26 win over the Brumbies proved they still have plenty to offer and their performances wouldn’t have escaped the eye of a certain Michael Cheika. Don’t be surprised if they end up starting for the Wallabies in Japan in a few months.
Sunwolves continue to improve
After all and sundry continuing to point out just how poor the Sunwolves have been since they joined the competition in 2016, it is important to note how much improvement there has been under Tony Brown this season. After sensationally beating the Chiefs in Hamilton last week, they were unlucky to go down 28-20 to the Blues on Saturday. Still, the improvement is there and despite their having having as many as 30 foreigners in their squad, the “Japanese” outfit still deserve plaudits.
