1. Connacht’s incredible odds-defying achievement
Once the whipping boys of Ireland, Connacht’s rise to the final of the Pro12 is nothing short of amazing. What they have achieved with the squad that they have is simply remarkable.
Robbie Henshaw is the first name on most people’s lips but there are no genuine world superstars in this squad and again it proves that if you can knit together a squad that are willing to trust each other and get hurt for one another on the field, then success can follow.
Of course, a hefty dose of thanks must also go to coach Pat Lam, who has crafted a superb team with a superb outlook on rugby.
The win over Glasgow at the Sportsground summed this up perfectly whilst the brilliant finish from Niyi Adeolokun was just the icing on the cake. The scenes at the end were remarkable and it looks like everyone outside of Dublin will be behind them for next weekend’s final.
2. Chiefs show the tortoise can beat the hare
Since arriving in the Premiership six years ago the Chiefs have slowly but surely consolidated what they have, and along the way learned how to win big rugby matches.
In essence they have taken it slowly to ensure that their foundations are solid, that their infrastructure is sustainable and that the players they have felt like they emotionally belong to the club.
The owner Tony Rowe and the Director Rugby Rob Baxter have steadied a ship that only ten years ago were languishing in sixth place of the old National League 1. They have resisted temptation to splash the cash and buy marquee players whilst holding a backbone of the team together year after year.
Over the last six years of Premiership rugby they have had success every other year. In 2012 they qualified for the Heineken Cup, in 2014 they won they LV=Cup and now in 2016 they will take on the European Champions to be crowned the best in England.
3. Scotland snatch victory from jaws of defeat – not vice versa
There were a lot of stunned faces leaving Twickenham on Sunday evening, players and fans alike, as Scotland proceeded to rip up the form book and win the last leg of this year’s World Rugby Sevens series at Twickenham.
Their style of play was old school to say the least but as they slowed the ball down and frustrated defenders that just wanted to attack and the gaps opened up for them to punish teams incisively. They even scored with a driving maul in the final!
To beat England, USA and then South Africa in the final shows that this was no easy route to glory. England looked like their previous best on the Saturday as they swept Fiji and the rest of their group aside with ease and USA were of course last year’s winners.
South Africa are one of the favourites for gold in Rio but with 45 seconds left on the clock and the game looking all but over, the Scots scored two tries in quick time to take a deserving victory to confirm that the unpredictability of rugby sevens is one of its most attractive features.
4. Ashton slams his own door shut
The Chris Ashton England selection debate will continue until way past the three test series is finished in Australia, but the way that Ashton has reacted to his non-selection should be the biggest talking point.
Eddie Jones has been open and honest with Ashton about what he needs to work on to be a success in his England Squad, and then duly handed him the platform to do so with a trip to South Africa to play with the second string Saxons.
Ashton has declined.
His disappointment that he is not travelling to Australia is understandable but if you truly want to play for your country then go and prove yourself to the doubters.
The Saracens wing has now effectively slammed shut the door on his international career and the only winners out of this will be Saracens themselves, as they will have their top try scorer available for the whole season next term.
5. Stats don’t win matches
Everyone loves a good stat don’t they? They settle arguments, they are an excuse when you are defeated, players get picked over others because of them but in reality there is only one that counts – the score line.
The Stormers have been towards the top of the South African Super Rugby conference up until a recent blip in form that has seen two losses and a draw in the last three games. For all money they looked like coming out of their funk against the Bulls at the weekend, but the one-sided encounter didn’t end the way anyone expected.
The men from Cape Town dominated the stats on possession, metres made, clean breaks, defenders beaten, passes made, carries and offloads yet they ran out losers by 17-13. Go figure.
6. O’Connor avoids bosses wrath…..for a week at least
Mourad Boudjellal, the owner of Toulon, has not necessarily had player happiness at the top of his priorities this season as most of his overseas imports have fallen foul of the mad cap millionaire’s sharp tongue.
Many believe that Toulon are going to implode any day now with players wanting to leave and Boudjellal’s personality overpowering the rugby side of things, but whilst they are still one of the biggest draws in international club rugby then there is always the possibility of a performance such as James O’Connor’s at the weekend.
O’ Connor was the star of the show against Agen with four tries but Quade Cooper, who has had the most severe of tongue lashings in the past, also crossed as Toulon racked up 52 points.
They climb to second in the table, level with Montpellier, whom they play this weekend in a must-see game that could have a massive bearing on this year’s Championship.
By Andy Daniel
@scrum5ive
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
I’ll come out in support of Chris Ashton here (although I am biased I admit), but to be offered a second string tour after he has done all and more to warrent inclusion in the main tour is understandable. Add to that the somewhat unfair criticism he has received from Eddie Jones (especially after the ‘praise’ given to Yarde despite his wannabe gangsta attitude) and there has obviously been a breakdown there.
And before everyone gets on his back about his attitude ask yourselves how many of you call for Cipriani to be included despite his attitude (Ashton hasn’t been done for drink driving or run over by a bus for instance).
As for good for Saracens, we can only hope so. I think maybe at some stage the lure of the French euro maybe too much.
As it is, Eddie Jones, must feel blessed in wingers if he can choose to treat Ashton this way. (As for describing the European player of the year as a Vauxhall Viva and the Premiership player of the year as ok…well.)
Can’t agree there jez, no defence for this in my eyes. If you don’t want to play international that’s fine and your choice.
But as far as I’m aware he hasn’t said this?
To decline saxons cuz you didn’t get 1st Xv, just smacks of arrogance and toys out of the pram to me. I’m not one of his haters and can see any argument for him in the full squad. Vice versa I can see why you wouldn’t (age, defence, work when not finishing tries).
What if everyone turned down the saxons? What would we be saying if attwood had said “no thanks I’ve got 20 full caps, I’m not playing second string”?
I’m not saying he is right, I am saying it is understandable given:
Player picked ahead of him.
The reasons given for picking that player ahead of him.
The unfair criticism of him by the head coach who seems to have gone out of his way to upset the player (so that when the player does, understandably, react negatively, all the blame goes on the player and not the coach who is the one who has made statements in the press designed, I feel, to upset said player.)
Agree with Snewe. Who on earth is Ashton to say which tours he deigns to be involved with and which he doesn’t? The sheer arrogance of it just proves Jones entirely correct not to have selected him in the first place
BTW what’s Yarde’s ‘gangsta’ attitude? I’ve never seen this but perhaps I’ve missed it.
I haven’t said he is right, just understandable. Ashton turning down this tour is his first comment on the whole situation. Compare that with the comments Jones has made about him and you can see why the player is quite understandably upset. My suspicion is that offering the Saxons had to be done due to Chris’s form this season. But also I suspect that Jones has made it very clear to Ashton that he is well down the pecking order, that he isn’t rated and regardless what he does for club and country second string the likely hood of gaining a first xv place are next to nowt. In that situation would you bust a gut?
As for gangsta comments that was a direct quote from Eddie Jones, not an unsubstantiated allegation from me.
Jones also said a lot if uncomplimentary things about Robshaw as well. Didn’t see him chucking his toys out the pram and refusing to play for Jones.
I reckon Robshaw would have taken any place in any England squad just so he could show his worth and work his way back into full selection.
Robshaw also retained his place, despite his form perhaps, in the first squad.
I think there is enough evidence to suggest that Ashton has been treated differently (and more unfairly) to other players in the squad.
Again to reiterate his desicion to not tour may not be right, but it is understandable.
Doesn’t Jones have form with this “treatment” of players? I seem to recall his reputation for being hard on players preceding his tenure.
It seems his MO to deliberately make the players feel uncomfortable, and keep them on edge.
I do think that if one looks closely enough he has aimed some pretty barbed comments at pretty much all of the players. I don’t think that Ashton is being treated any differently – it is just a better story with him.
Completely agree – it’s false to suggest Ashton has been singled out in regards to media comments.
As mentioned above, he slated Robshaw. He has ripped into Slade recently as well.
He might well criticise players in the media, and there is obviously pro’s and con’s with that – but I don’t think he treats any of them differently.
Other than the fact that Ashton is the only player mentioned who isn’t picked for the full squad, despite his form.
I don’t think they’re linked though. Yes Jones speaks out openly when asked about players form.
And yes Jones thinks that Ashton is not one of his three best wing options. Yarde is a contentious one definitely, but not completely ridiculous. Yarde has become a really good defender is recent times, his physicality adds something to the squad. Jones not picking Ashton is clearly based on rugby and that alone. Hartley wouldn’t be his captain otherwise.
It’s all well and good having the bulk and tackling ability. It’s no use if you don’t have the concentration to ensure it is used effectively.
Jez
Agree in supporting Ashton in so far as he OUGHT to have gone to Oz.
Jones seems erratic in his selections of guys from outfield like Genge & Teo, who have no Int’al pedigree, whereas Ashton does.
Just to be clear, I have no issue with ‘bolters’ being included in principle (how else do they prove themselves, provided they get game time), but it seems illogical, on the other hand, to leave EXP @ home (Didn’t hurt the AB’s too much last yr!).
Ashton prob sees the Saxons as a demotion or even a humiliation & @ 29 (?), likely believes he has no future with England. Much like Cip, who seemingly has to prove himself in perpetuity.
What’s the point for these guys? ‘Talk’ about humiliation.
I’m not sure Ashton is right for England to be honest. Despite previous mumbling about his attitude, I just don’t think he’s that good and all round player.
Running around behind the likes of the Vunipolas, Itoje, Farrell etc, I think I could probably score a try or two over a season. He’s good at sniffing out opportunities with Saracens, which h is clearly an asset for, but when I look at the likes of Nowell and Yarde, they are far more team oriented and actively take ore part in the games they play – be that knowing when to stay on the wing to defend, or clearing out rucks when the big boys can’t get there in time. It’s been proved in the past that he is a liability when he has more of a job to do than just follow the ball round and take the glory. He just doesn’t make the effort, in my eyes, away from trying to cross the line.
It’s a shame he’s thrown his toys out the pram on this one.
2 points Gordon…
Running around behind Vunipola, Farrell etc he’s going to score tries. Well yeah, that follows for England as much as for Saracens.
As for being a team player, he plays for a club side whose success is built on being team orientated, for whom all squad players play for the team. Unlike Yarde in particular who plays for a team of individuals and who is lazy in defence and has proven time and time again to be lacking in the concentration required.
I think if Eddie Jones and picked a player ahead of Ashton who was a better team player with a better attitude (Rokogundhi maybe) it could be accepted. Yarde ain’t that player.
Interested to hear why you think Yarde doesn’t have a good attitude? He’s always seemed like an excellent professional to me, and I know for a fact that his mum is a massive influence in his life and hasn’t allowed him to get ahead of himself (humble beginnings, etc. etc.)
I also noted your ‘wannabe gangsta’ comment earlier – what are you basing that on exactly? And what does it have to do with playing rugby?
As for Ashton – I agree with the article. If you don’t want to pay your dues in the Saxons (regardless of whether you think you have to or not) then your England career is going to be over. Very intriguing to note the differing attitudes of Cipriani and Ashton to this snub – Cipriani has embraced it, Ashton has ruled himself out.
The wannabe gangsta is a direct quote from Eddie Jones. If that is indicative of his off field attitude then it is very relevant.
“He’s an interesting boy, he wants to portray that gangster image, but he is a hard-working player.”
Rest of the quotes here – it’s basically all about how hard-working Yarde is, in spite of the ‘gangster image’: http://sport.bt.com/rugby-union-hub/rugby-union/picking-marland-yarde-over-chris-ashton-was-an-easy-call-for-eddie-jones-S11364063735872
I don’t buy for a minute that Yarde isn’t a team player, or that he has a bad attitude, as you seem to be alleging!
I was wondering about this reference as well, but must say the quote is very positive, not as portrayed above.
So I’ve read it differently? To me trying to portray a gangster image is worrying. What is it he does or how does it manifest itself? Having spent time myself in scenarios where others have done gangster things to me it is a negative, and certainly in comparison to Ashton who is, off the field, a model professional.
I think it is more to do with Eddie Jones’ slightly outdated view of what a gangster is. I don’t think Yarde is actually wondering around, acting like he is in a gang. You’re taking this all way too literally.
Seems to me Jez that you don’t like the fact that Yarde was picked ahead of Ashton and this has had an effect on how you’ve interpreted this statement from EJ and now you’re using it as a stick to poke Yarde with simply because you don’t agree with EJ’s decision.
Do you also think that Ashton deserves to go ahead of Watson and Nowell?
I don’t rate Yarde as highly as Jones true and I certainly think based on current form Ashton should be in competition with Watson, Nowell and possibly Short (Watson and Nowell as men in ownership will take shifting).
I also think Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio should be in England football squad but heh ho
Just read that apparently Ashton cleared not going on Saxons tour with Jones… Maybe not quite the emotional knee-jerk reaction we thought. Wife is due a baby soon – he would still have gone on the Australia tour if selected but can see how maybe if you feel the Saxons tour is not the top level, it might just be ok to miss it given personal circumstances.
Or this is just making excuses and he had a hissy-fit over being left out. Who knows.
Certainly adds a new dimension and makes his decision more understandable.
Reclaiming my first team spot after years in the wilderness is so important to me that i would miss the birth of my child but a Saxons spot isn’t .
Gordon
Everyone benefits from a team with a dominant fwd pack, not just Ashton.
The point is that he’s an exp finisher who takes his opportunities. He also appearss to have a better positional sense than either Nowell or Yarde,
Nowell’s all action man style seems eye catching enough, but he meanders all over the place. Not all his fault as the England back line STILL can’t straighten itself enough to create space for him out wide.
Yarde is energetic & hard running, but he lacks the nous of when to off load or to beat his opposite in the manner of, say Wade, off either foot. Too ltd, but Eddie like hard runners, so he & Nowell are favs.
I broadly agree with Jez here, but frankly, Ashton is a grown man who can make his own decisions about his career. The idea of any England place, whether on the Saxons or otherwise, being a gift from the gods that you have no right to turn down is ridiculous On that logic we should be slamming Joe Marler as well, but instead he is being (rightly) praised for his decision that he needs a rest.
None of us know why either Jones or Ashton have done and said the things they have. For Ashton, it may very well be his way of saying that, at 29 and in arguably the finest form of any wing in England, if he’s not going to be in the senior squad then maybe it’s time to draw a veil on his international career. He’s still got a full trophy cabinet at home to console him.
What we’ve not touched on is the fact that Jones claims it’s all about form and no-ones place in the side is safe. However, kicking Ashton into touch and leaving Cipriani on the Saxons, while automatically picking George Ford for the senior team seems to prove that to be a bald-faced lie. Jones has obviously drunk the kool-aid that says Ford’s the best fly-half this side of Dan Carter, whereas he should be fighting to even make the Saxons given he’s barely had a decent game for club or country in the last year.
My issue isn’t the fact he has chosen not to tour but the way in which he’s done. If at 29 and after this snub he’d decided to retire from international rugby and focus on sarries. Fair play, absolutely.
But he hasn’t. As far as I’m aware he still wants to be considered for England and if called up would presumably jump on the opportunity (based on the fact he’s not announced his retirement).
Therefore, he’s just ruled himself out of the saxons, which to me looks like he feels is beneath him. That’s what the issue is for me. Unlike players like brookes who ate going to stake their claim for a full call up/fight for form.
Or maybe he is thinking, you never know Eddie might jump ship so whilst I know I won’t play for England while he is coach I could still get a chance with someone else. It’s a slim chance admittedly but would answer some whys I feel.
Eddie Jones will jump ship? Why and where could that happen?
There isn’t a bigger job in test rugby available to him. Only really the SANZAR nations would be considered that – and SA and Aus have recently had new coaches in. And NZ only go for Kiwis.
And he isn’t going to get sacked having just won England their first grand slam in 13 years…
Ashton needs to rethink his whole attitude, and learn to defend. He then becomes an option.
The problem is that the “treat ’em mean, keep ’em keen” approach doesn’t necessarily work long term. The original shock to the system provides a boost, but it soon starts to grate on everyone. I hope he’s a long term success with England, but his CV doesn’t give a lot of confidence in his ability to stay in one place very long because he ends up pissing too many people off. I’d have to dig up the quotes, but this is on record by people who have worked with him.
I think the whole reasoning that Ashton’s head wouldn’t be in the right place because of his child’s birth etc. is a bit weak. Surely if he had been given a call up to the Australia tour, the thought of rejecting a place on that squad wouldn’t have crossed his mind.
As for likening it to Marler’s withdrawal – Marler withdrew himself from the squad knowing that he wouldn’t have been 100% and would possibly be a detriment to the team if his discipline continued to waiver. I cant see how Ashton’s motives were similar.
On Ford, I wouldn’t say your comments regarding his form are completely justified. He’s assisted more tries than any other player in the premiership this season whilst operating behind a pack that hasn’t given him the best platform. I still think he has a lot to offer England and hope that is shown v Wales. But will that be enough to keep the 10 jersey from Farrell…who knows.
I agree with Ashton. If there is something in his skill set that makes him a liability then you might as well make the whole England team play Saxons rugby. None of them have one tenth the skills of Southern Hemisphere. Take Nowell for instance. T^his was the man when faced with just one defender and 2 players either side of him couldn’t think fast enough and just fell over in front of defender. I haven’t noticed Yarde have much ‘x’ factor. I could go on. Ashton has proved himself and at 29 is in the last years of playing at international level. My only argument against inclusion is we need to try the youngsters. As for Stormers…you live by shit rugby you die by it also. Anyone can win this kind of dross. Its why England have been kidding themselves for last 20 yrs that they are special. They manage to put a few wins together and next thing they or their coach is genius.
If you are on tour with the Saxons you are potentially just one injury away from a call up. Back of the queue now for Ashton.
If you really want to play for England you take the spot.
A bit off topic, but I see SL has been helping out the PRO Rugby league in the US, which is apparently at the season midpoint. Has anyone been keeping up to date with how it’s going?
Haha very good point here in this blog from the weeks rugby