In the Gallagher Premiership last weekend Northampton Saints lead the way after thrashing Bristol, a side that was also pushing for a top-four play-off place, 94-33. The money men behind Bristol, as well as the spectators who travelled to support their team, must have been bewildered as the score rocketed skywards. One might have understood it if Bristol had nothing to play for. This was a total capitulation, a give-in! Someone must pay in the coaching department, as well as some spineless players. The video review won’t lie.
In the Top 14, Toulouse looks to be the favourite to finish top as Bordeaux are focused on beating Leinster in the Investec Champions Cup final this coming Saturday (May 23).
Glasgow leads the URC despite strong opposition from South African teams. Franco Smith has built a very competitive club. Smith played for the Springboks and has brought that fierce and brutal attitude to the Glasgow club. A national coaching position may not be far away for Smith.
In the Super Rugby competition, the Wellington Hurricanes head the table and are playing some exhilarating rugby. Each season, new exciting players are unearthed. New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has totally revamped the coaching department, placing an emphasis on fluency and rhythm in play. The All Blacks lost the last World Cup final to South Africa by a point and played the final quarter with 14 men. New Zealand is my tip to win the 2027 World Cup.
In the Women’s Six Nations, France played England in Bordeaux on Sunday to determine the champions. The game was a sellout and France proved to be very classy opponents. Defending champions England is, if nothing, resourceful and has unearthed some young, exciting talent. The mixture of youth and experience proved too much for the French, and England stormed home 43-28 to retain their title.
Closer to home, don’t forget the Phuket 11s, which will be held at the Thanyapura Sports Club, corss the weekend of June 5-7. Vets’ games start at 10am on Friday. The tournament will finish with a series of pulsating finals late Sunday afternoon. The tournament also supports the Asia Center Foundation, a worthy charity that has been supporting disadvantaged children for many years. Roelien Muller and her team will have a stand, so why not pop along and say hello?
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.