Starting finals at a fast pace can often catch your opponent off guard, leaving them unable to recover. In the URC final, Leinster swept aside the Bulls from the first minute. The tempo was set by the winning of quick ball and the ability of Leinster’s scrum half, Jamison Gibson-Park, to get to each breakdown quickly and ensure a fast distribution. The Bulls from South Africa never recovered, despite fielding an international team, and the 36-7 final score brought a much-needed finals win for coach Leo Cullen.
With the All-Blacks squad set to be named two days later, the Super Rugby final between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs was expected to be a close contest between the league’s top two teams.
The Hurricanes started much like Leinster and completely dominated the Chiefs with some outstanding fast attack, quality passing, and alignment. Add to this some ferocious and frenzied play at the breakdown. The rucks were a feeding frenzy. Everything about the Hurricanes’ play was intense, both in attack and defence. The final score of 60-5 was the highest winning margin in Super Rugby history.
At the Allianz Stadium, a rejuvenated Exeter, fresh from a semi-final win at Bath, almost pulled off a surprising win against Northampton Saints. Saints are the playing innovators of the Gallagher Premiership. Their support play is exquisite, both close in and wide out and there is always someone available. They are very much an 80-minute side and remain composed even when behind. Saints won 26-17 with Finn Smith taking the man of the match award. A young player with a mature head, he guides the team and makes quality decisions. He’ll be England’s fly-half at the next World Cup.
Over in France, the semi-finals were completed. It would take a brave man to bet against a Toulouse win in the final. Toulouse defeated Racing 92 by 71-17. On this form, Toulouse would beat many international teams. They will play Montpellier, who beat Stade Francais 25-15, in the final this weekend.
A short break before the Nations Cup starts in early July. New Zealand vs France and South Africa vs England are the pick of the first day fixtures. Sure to be fantastic viewing.
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.