It was another thrilling weekend of action across the Quilter Nations Series with late drama at the Principality Stadium as Wales slotted a late penalty to beat Japan 24-23.
It was another thrilling weekend of action across the Quilter Nations Series with late drama at the Principality Stadium as Wales slotted a late penalty to beat Japan 24-23.
Elsewhere, England and Ireland enjoyed convincing wins over New Zealand and Australia, while South Africa again won with 14 men, this time over Italy.
France recovered from their loss to the Springboks to hold off Fiji, and, madre mia! Argentina produced a comeback to end all comebacks against Scotland.
Here’s five things that caught our eye…
Wales Ride Their Luck
There were missed tackles, a silly red card for Josh Adams, and when cool heads were called for, they were red hot. Yet, despite all that (and more) Wales earned their first win of the Steve Tandy era, only their second victory of the year and first in Cardiff for two years.
When it mattered, they did what was needed. They capitalised on Japan’s failure to close out the match, their lineout and maul were excellent and would trouble bigger packs, then when the moment came Jarrod Evans showed his cojones to slot the winning points and bring on some epic celebrations.
With New Zealand and the out of window test against South Africa coming over the next two weeks, not to mention the dramas around the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), the Welsh public will need to be patient before wins like this are the norm, but who would deny them this moment?
Dylan The Real Deal
Not for the first time, Eddie Jones made rugby folk raise their eyebrows when he selected Japan centre Dylan Riley as his number 13. The South Africa-born, Australia-raised Riley has been slowly gaining attention with his performances, and he showed why in the Welsh capital.
In attack, he produced a number of powerful runs, the first of which took him deep into Wales’s half and set up the position where Japan attacked from to set up the first try for Kippei Ishida. It was one of 12 carriers and two linebreaks he made over the 80 minutes.
In defence, he was no less effective. He made seven tackles and closed off the outside centre channel as a Welsh attacking option, more often than not forcing opposite number Max Llewellyn to cut back inside rather than try his luck and face being isolated on Riley’s outside.
For now, he is contracted to Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan’s League One, but might a European side have seen enough to try and entice him to new colours?
Planning Makes Perfection
We know that Rassie Erasmus likes to cover all eventualities, and it turned out he needed his bag of tricks again in Turin when Franco Mostert was sent off early in their clash against Italy.
Never mind, off came flanker Ben-Jason Dixon for second row Ruan Nortje, while front rowers Zachary Porthen and Boan Venter came off before the 25 minute mark for the more experienced Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw. Then soon after halftime captain Siya Kolisi made way for RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith replaced Jean Kleyn.
You wonder how long Erasmus was up at night, working out the logistics of the ensuring that at what point the best, most energetic, and most effective combinations should be used. It had the desired effect with another dominant finish and win.
Meanwhile, at Allian Stadium, George Ford knocked over two drop goals in two minutes to ensure England only trailed by a point at halftime. The next points, a try from Sam Underhill two minutes into the second half put England into a lead they didn’t surrender.
Afterwards, coach Steve Borthwick admitted drop goals were something they discussed during the week, pinpointing when and how Ford might need to use the. Like, Erasmus and his subs, it shows that Borthwick is making sure his team can cover all bases. Playing one way or sticking to a first choice team isn’t always possible, and sometimes a coach needs something extra to gain the edge.
New Zealand Hangover Heavy For Scots
Just over a week ago there were serious discussions among Scottish rugby fans about whether they could enjoy a first win over New Zealand, now they have lost consecutive home matches after a comeback for the ages from Argentina.
Against the All Blacks it was Damien McKenzie’s late try, conversion and penalty that ended their hopes, and their looks at the finish summed up their despair. This time the sting was even worse. Having raced to a 21-0 lead, Julian Montoya drove over, and the momentum swung wildly to the South Americans.
It was the latest horror story in the annals of Scottish rugby history, and while Gregor Townsend denies there is a psychological problem, the evidence suggests otherwise. While Huw Jones was missing, it was still a very strong Scotland side. They now need a powerful showing against Tonga, otherwise this mini slide, could become a very a very steep one.
Mack’s Moment
For a team that was dominated by a 13-man Leinster contingent, there would have been plenty from Ireland’s other three provinces who would have enjoyed a wry smile that Ireland’s main weapon against Australia was Connacht fullback Mack Hansen.
Hansen, Canberra-born to an Irish mother, has not always enjoyed universal popularity since his accession to a green shirt, but he showed what he can offer if the focus isn’t on raw speed. He led the way with three linebreaks from eight carries, and while he had a simple run in for all three of his tries, his game reading meant he popped up in the right place.
For a while, criticism of what he lacked as a winger, namely pace over a longer distance, was used against him, that and being bundled into touch two metres from scoring a try by scrumhalf Antoine Dupont. Now, he has something to throw back at his critics, and it would be hard hearted to deny him his moment.