Who’s hot and who’s not: ‘Super’ Sacha and Red Roses celebrate while Leinster ‘demolished’ in South Africa

It’s time for our Monday wrap of who has their name in lights and who is making the headlines for all the wrong reasons after the weekend.

THEY’RE ON FIRE!

Super Sacha: 37 points that included three tries is outrageous from the Springboks fly-half as he steered his team to an important Rugby Championship win over Argentina in Durban. This result puts one hand on the trophy and surely makes Feinberg-Mngomezulu undroppable for the Twickenham fixture. He is such a gifted runner and all-round player and if he can mature into a top class decision maker there is a generational talent in South Africa’s midst.

All Blacks: The Bledisloe Cup remains in their grasp and coupled with their Eden Park run being extended it was ultimately a good day at the office for New Zealand. The ghosts of that record-breaking Springboks defeat were banished somewhat as the likes of Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard and Jordie Barrett helped them to a 33-24 win over a dangerous Wallabies side.

Red Roses: The streak continues plus England have the added bonus of getting it done in a Rugby World Cup final, this after they fell to New Zealand four years ago. This time there was no such issue against Canada, who have been excellent all tournament but found themselves second best against this incredible Red Roses side. Inspired by the brilliant Ellie Kildunne’s early try the result never really looked in doubt as John Mitchell’s team came out on top 33-13. It was party time all weekend thereafter as the squad took to London to celebrate.

Trio honoured: She might have been on the losing side in the final but that should in no way detract from an outstanding tournament from Canada lock Sophie de Goede. She can do everything on a rugby field and it was pleasing to see her pick up the World Rugby Player of the Year award after the final. Megan Jones (England) and Jorja Miller (New Zealand) missed out to the Canadian while Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand) won the Breakthrough Player of the Year and Mitchell was named World Rugby Coach of the Year.

Chile: It’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup trips for the South Americans as they got the job done in their second leg clash with Samoa on Saturday. After drawing the first leg in Utah, Chile eased to a 31-12 victory in the South America/Pacific play-off second leg in Viña del Mar. They were a big hit in the 2023 tournament and we look forward to seeing them again in Australia.

George Ford: He surely has to be banging on the England door to start the Autumn Nations Series as this consistent form is incredible. He was excellent for Steve Borthwick’s men during their Test series win over Argentina and there’s been no drop-off in Sale Sharks’ Prem opener against Gloucester as he put on another masterclass of control at 10. There’s few better playmakers at the moment and he is surely England’s best option this November.

George Ford tipped as ‘sure bet’ for England as he looks to shed Rugby World Cup ‘bridesmaid’ tag

Opening round of Prem and URC: They were back with a bang, that’s for sure. Only a couple of games struggled to excite as the rest were excellent products to watch. The big winners were of course the Stormers, Munster, Sale Sharks and Bath while on Sunday there was a thriller at the Gardens where Northampton and Exeter played out a 33-33 draw. Not bad as opening weekends go.

COLD AS ICE!

Argentina: They have shown so much this Rugby Championship, particularly on attack, so it was hugely disappointing to see Los Pumas fold like they did against the Springboks in a result that title hopes. They were very much in the running for glory but taking nothing from that game in Durban means only pride and avoiding bottom spot is on the line at Twickenham this weekend. How they respond will be interesting.

Leinster: Few saw that coming as United Rugby Championship holders Leinster were demolished 35-0 at the Stormers in a stunning result. This was far from a second string line-up as several Ireland internationals were in situ for Leo Cullen’s men but they were outplayed by the Capetonians on Friday. It doesn’t get much easier this weekend either as they are off to Pretoria to face the Bulls at altitude.

Samoa: It’s sad that we might not see the islanders at a World Cup for the first time since 1991 but that is becoming an ever increasing possibility. The loss to Chile means Samoa have just one opportunity remaining to book their ticket to Australia as they head to the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai (November 8-18). They join Belgium and Namibia with the winner of the Brazil-Paraguay two-leg play-off, set for October 11 and 18 in Asunción and São Paulo, to complete the four-team line-up.

Chile book Rugby World Cup ticket as Samoa’s hopes left hanging by a thread

AJ MacGinty injury: The sight no rugby fan wants to see as a player suffers what appears to be a serious injury. For Bristol Bears this is disastrous news as MacGinty is key to their cause so witnessing him fall to the floor in the first half of their Prem clash with Leicester Tigers with what looked like an Achilles injury is the stuff of nightmares. One hopes it’s not long-term but it doesn’t look good.

Edinburgh: Zebre Parma are no mugs especially at home but the Scots will still be hugely disappointed to fall to this 31-28 Round One defeat. The Italians even had number eight Giovanni Licata shown a 20-minute red card in the first half but they still managed to come out on top, with the pressure set to increase on head coach Sean Everitt whose contract ends at the current season.

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