It's Monday, and that means it's time to take a look at the week's rugby highlights and lowlights. From record-breaking tries to disappointing defeats, the sport has seen it all this weekend. But who's hot and who's not?
Will Jordan: The Rising Star
Will Jordan is on fire. His hat-trick against the Azzurri was a sight to behold, and it's no surprise that he's now the All Blacks' all-time leading try-scorer. Jordan's performance was symbolic, with each try showcasing his poacher's instinct and clever support play. It's a testament to his growth since his debut in 2020, and he's undoubtedly one of the first names on the team sheet. But what makes Jordan so impressive is not just his try-scoring ability, but also his ability to step up in big games and lead by example. In my opinion, he's a player who can take the All Blacks to new heights, and I can't wait to see him continue to shine.
Henry Pollock: The Rising England Star
Henry Pollock had a statement performance for England, and it's hard to ignore his talent. With 32 minutes on the clock, he took control of the game and almost made it the 'Henry Pollock show'. His hat-trick and second-most metres across the Test showcase his confidence and ability to step up in big games. I think it's only a matter of time before he starts for England, and I'm excited to see him continue to develop and lead the team.
Sean Jansen: The Ireland Hope
Sean Jansen had a solid debut for Ireland, and it's clear that he's a player to watch. His well-executed basics, including hard carrying and strong tackling, earned him a try. With Ireland in search of the next generation of players, Jansen is in the sweet spot regarding his age profile. He's only 27 and has a lot of his best rugby ahead of him. I think he's a player who can step into the role of number eight and contribute to Ireland's success in the future.
France: The Underdogs
France had some vocal critics ahead of the Nations Championship block, but they answered all of them with a big win over the Wallabies. Their overall intent to play at Suncorp was impressive, and the playmaking axis of Maxime Lucu, Romain Ntamack, and Matthieu Jalibert worked beautifully. Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang enjoyed a fine Test debut, and the bench turned the screw late on. In my opinion, France is in rude health, and you'd be brave to write them off. They have the talent and the mindset to succeed, and I'm excited to see them continue to develop and challenge for the top spots.
England: The Must-Win Test
England needed a big win over Fiji, and they got it. While it wasn't absolute perfection, it was the tonic they needed after some hefty losses against Tier One nations. With changes made within the team, including the likes of Henry Slade and Guy Pepper coming into the starting side, England showed resilience and determination. I think they needed a win, and they got it. Now, with Argentina next weekend, they have a big Test ahead of them, but I think they're ready for the challenge.
Finn Russell: The Scotland Fly-Half
Finn Russell had an excellent performance against the Springboks, and it was a joy to watch. His all-court game at Loftus Versfeld was a testament to his talent and determination. While the scoreboard denied him, his performance was a highlight of the weekend. I think he's a player who can take Scotland to new heights, and I'm excited to see him continue to shine.
Pacific Island Nations: The Weekend's Disappointments
The Pacific Island nations had a tough weekend, with all of them tasting defeat to European opposition. Fiji were whacked 73-8 by England, Tonga fell to a 32-19 defeat to Spain, and Samoa lost 33-12 to Georgia. It's a stark reminder that the gap between the Pacific Island nations and the European teams is growing. But I think they have the talent and the mindset to succeed, and I'm excited to see them continue to develop and challenge for the top spots.
SA Rugby Drug Scandal: The Ugly Picture
South African rugby has been hit with yet another unwanted drug scandal, with a urine sample from Junior Springboks and Sharks man Kai Pratt returning an adverse analytical finding relating to a prohibited substance. It's a sad state of affairs, and it just paints an ugly picture for the union. I think it's a reminder that the sport needs to do more to address the issue of doping, and I'm concerned about the impact it could have on the sport's reputation.
Wallabies: The Lost Mojo
The Wallabies are back in a sticky position, with nine defeats from their past 10 Tests and no wins since October last year. It seems they have really lost their mojo compared to where they were 12 months ago. The ongoing coaching saga might have an effect, but in the here and now, they just need to find a way to win. I think they have the talent, but they need to find their confidence and determination to succeed. In my opinion, they're a team that can turn things around, but it won't be easy.
In conclusion, the weekend's rugby has seen a mix of record-breaking tries, disappointing defeats, and talented players stepping up to the plate. It's a reminder that the sport is full of surprises, and I'm excited to see what the future holds. But one thing is for sure: the competition is fierce, and the players are ready to take on the challenge.
