The sudden and extremely sad death of Munster coach Anthony Foley cast the darkest of shadows over the opening weekend of the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. His loss is felt in his home province and across all the nations – but the highs and lows of the weekend’s on-field action still deserve to be acknowledged.Top clash finish: Sean Maitland about to touch down under pressure. (Photo: Getty Images)The Saints Sean Maitland and Saracens Only a top-class finisher can touch down a try when the combined power of …Continue reading »
The Champions Cup is closest the club game gets to Test level intensity and there will be a clutch of players looking to impress over the next two weekendsOn trial: Garry Ringrose's partnership with Robbie Henshaw is showing promiseBy Alex Shaw The European Rugby Champions Cup makes its 2016-17 bow this weekend and as early as round one, …Continue reading »
It was a weekend laden with tries as the Aviva Premiership and the Guinness Pro12 teams served up some scintillating rugby. Who were the major stars and who lost their sparkle?Flying start: Alofa Alofa scored a memorable try on his first start at the Stoop. (Photo: Getty Images)The Saints Silver service from the No 10s Harlequins outside-centre Alofa Alofa scored his first try for his new club …Continue reading »
Some stunning games lit up round five of the Aviva Premiership and Guinness Pro12 seasons, but there were some turgid tussles as well.The Young One: Wasps fans have a lot to thank Dai Young for. (Photo: Getty Images) The Saints Young and gifted Seven tries from seven different scorers and a 47-18 win over Harlequins – be in …Continue reading »
Which players hit the heights in round four of the Aviva Premiership and Guinness Pro12 and who made the costliest errors?Dominant Dominic: Waldouck played a big part in Newcastle's win at Gloucester. (Photo: Getty Images) One scored, one saved Dominic Waldouck scored a try at one end of the pitch and saved one at …Continue reading »
