Ulster travelled to the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao to take on Montpellier on Friday (May 22). Montpellier sit second in the French Top 14 league. Such is the quality of Top 14 rugby that it could not be taken lightly. The score of 59-26 reflected the difference in class and performance.
In the Investec Champions Cup, Bordeaux made light work of a Leinster side that had appeared in the last four finals. Indeed, the score at half-time was 35-7 in Bordeaux’s favour. Bordeaux has a style of play that bewilders opponents, a support-based game, playing off each other, evident as they won the competition last season.
Some years ago, I wrote an article titled “Team Mobility.” This was Bordeaux in a nutshell. The ball was seldom still. Bordeaux exerts pressure both with and without the ball. Consequently, there is so much variety in their attack, and they have a venomous approach to defence, constantly causing turnovers.
Leinster did prove more competitive in the second half, but a score of 41-19 was a fair reflection of Bordeaux’s dominance.
Under pressure
Elsewhere, Steve Borthwick is back in charge at the helm of the England national team and his first appointment was Sales’ defence coach Byron McGuigan on a full-time basis. Sales defensive average as of today is 25 points. Let’s hope England’s defensive average does not reach that figure.
Borthwick is now under pressure from Northampton’s attack coach, Sam Vesty who has asked: “Why aren’t we seeing a free rugby team when there is something on the cards?”
Borthwick’s use of the young and talented players in his new squad will determine if another review is needed.
England’s next 3 fixtures are: South Africa (July 4); Fiji July (11); and Argentina July (18). Check the kick-off times as they are sure to be compulsive viewing.
Closer to home, don’t forget the Phuket 11s, which will be held at the Thanyapura Sports Club, next weekend (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.