Shaun Goosen looks back at some of the biggest moments from the weekend's rugby action including a pair of hat-tricks, a David Wiese masterclass and some Finn Russell magic.
Russell’s twin kicks set up Scotland win
Trailing the English by seven with just 15-minutes on the clock, Scotland were awarded a scrum inside their opponents’ 10m. After a solid shove, replacement scrum-half Ben White sent the ball to a guy called Finn Russell, who kicked a pinpoint cross-kick to Duhan van der Merwe on the left touchline. Following a typical barnstorming break by the winger into England’s 22m, White again passed to Russell who executed another magnificent cross-kick to the opposite wing. Under enormous pressure, defender Luke Cowan-Dickie cynically slapped the ball into touch before Darcy Graham could gather, finally resulting in a penalty try and yellow card for the Exeter Chiefs hooker.
Russell later slotted a penalty to seal a 20-17 Scotland win, but it was his eagle-eyed vision and world class execution off first-phase at a crucial moment that ultimately set up his countrymen for the famous victory.
It's easy for it to get lost in the Cowan-Dickie decision, but these two kicks from Finn Russell are absolutely pinpoint🎯#SCOvENG #SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/i6j73mgIWY
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) February 5, 2022
France’s Villiére seals hattrick
26-year-old Toulon winger Gabin Villière scored the 55th hattrick in Six Nations history in France’s 37-10 win over Italy in Paris on Sunday. Playing in just his ninth Test match, Villiére showcased some expert finishing skills to bag the tries and become the first Frenchman since the legendary Vincent Clerc in 2008 to score three in one game.
The dummy chip kick is utter filth from Gabin Villière.#SixNations pic.twitter.com/vljLJBrK8S
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 8, 2022
Wiese maintains brutal form
Dan du Preez and Ruan Ackermann both produced Man of the Match displays for their clubs in the English Premiership to send out timely reminders to Bok coach Jacques Nienaber of their immense capabilities. In fact, when you account for names like Evan Roos, Phepsi Buthelezi, Juano Augustus and even Jono Ross, the Boks aren’t exactly lacking in the eighthman department.
That said, Jasper Wiese remains the rightful heir to the Duane Vermeulen throne, as evidenced by this moment of sheer brutality he displayed against Worcester on Saturday. The man is a monster.
Jasper Wiese!! pic.twitter.com/TA4zVFG65d
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) February 6, 2022
Reinach grabs three for Montpellier
Villiére wasn’t the only hat-trick hero this weekend as Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach scored three tries himself in Montpellier’s 29-12 win over Pau at the GGL. The former Sharks man has electric pace and is no stranger to the three-tries-in-one-game club, having recorded the fastest ever World Cup hat-trick against Canada back in 2019.
ICYMI
— Saffas Abroad Rugby (@SaffasRugby) February 8, 2022
Gorgeous hat-trick by @c_reinach against Section Paloise at the weekend. #SaffasAbroad @RugbyMHR pic.twitter.com/S2r83yT7gm
