The whole game was excellent, the narrative of Sarries scoring two tries without reply, and then Sale steamrollering them for both a bonus point and denying Sarries in the losing bonus point.
That plus the Welsh debacle show that rugby isn't sustainable in its current form, and that's not even taking into account the huge financial hit that could be inflicted by the dementia lawsuit(s).
The present incarnation of Super Rugby is really fucked. I no longer follow it on the tele but I do read the reports, the attendance is atrocious. The NRL is offereing a much more competitive product and in NZ the warriors are getting bigger crowds than the canes (although a comparison with the blues might be more instructive.) Some commentators are calling for a ditching of Super Rugby for an expanded NPC.
Yeah, and then you have the SH unions entirely propped up financially by the AIs, without which they'd be bankrupt.
Who was the ref?
Nika Amashukeli. Georgian ref. I've seen him officiate before and he is so far below acceptable standards it's ridiculous.. Trying to remember the game where I literally watched him coach an undeserved victory for one side or another.
Lol, he referees in the French league I think so will have picked up bad habits. I have to say I’ve quite enjoyed his ref style, and thought he was halfway decent. But then what do I know
I didn’t see the first half though.
He evened things up a bit in the second 40 but honestly the first half was a homer Odyssey. Think the winners probably deserved it and Webb's final quarter brainfart was genuinely unconscionable (if you haven't seen it yet, seek it out for the shits and giggles). Ah well. Os can exit the compo with heads held high at least.Lol, he referees in the French league I think so will have picked up bad habits. I have to say I’ve quite enjoyed his ref style, and thought he was halfway decent. But then what do I know
I think he’s being pushed heavily by world rugby and given he’s Georgian he could conceivably get a BIG game at RWC as he’s a neutral, wouldn’t be surprised to see him ref a semi final.
Shame that the last 16 all went with form, perhaps you could argue Exeter sort of winning was a surprise but then they were at home. Was really willing Gloucester on against La Rochelle yesterday but they just ran out of luck. The tournament stinks with the SA teams in there.
They were basically playing their team for next season already, with so many players leaving and will have half an eye on their European semi final. Baxter knew they had little chance in the league.
Long term injury. Believe it’s neck related and potential doubts that he’ll move to Montpellier as no idea of a return to playing. There’s implications it could be a career ender from the media noise.
