Shaun Goosen takes a look at what we learnt from this past weekend in the world of rugby.
Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sport Hollywoodbets
Currie Cup semi-finalists all deserving of their places
With this year’s edition of the Currie Cup having been one of the most evenly contested in recent memory, there’s no denying that each of the four teams set to compete in this weekend’s last four all merit their being there. The Griquas were the first to qualify after a standout campaign that included wins over the Sharks, Pumas, Bulls and Western Province. The table-topping Cheetahs were at their offensive best at times, while the Golden Lions and Sharks also proved their worth after struggling in patches during the season. Certainly, there is every reason to believe that the results of this weekend’s semi-finals will be just as tight to call, if not more so.
No excuse for Ntubeni episode
With his side leading 33-19 against the Cheetahs at the Toyota Stadium on the weekend, Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni was seen aggressively slapping the ball out of a ball boy’s hand just before a lineout. The incident sparked outrage on social media, prompting Ntubeni to issue an apology on Twitter alongside a picture of him with the boy holding a WP jersey post-match. While the 28-year-old Springbok did the right thing in apologising, there can really be no excuses offered as to why it happened in the first place. Sure, players do get revved up for games and this can naturally lead to a loss in temperament, Ntubeni should rightly be disappointed with his behaviour.
Alarm bells ringing for Schmidt’s Ireland
Had they beaten England on Saturday, Ireland would have risen to No 1 on the world rankings. However, they looked about as far away from that title as one could possibly get at Twickenham with Eddie Jones’ men romping to a 57-15 win – their largest-ever score and largest-ever winning margin against the Irish. Certainly, Joe Schmidt will need to reassess just why their defence was so untidy, while also accounting for a blunt attack that barely created a thing over the course of the 80-minutes. With just two Tests left before they kick-off their World Cup campaign, they will need to address these issues fast.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
