LONDON, ENGLAND – The dust has settled on Week 1 of the Heineken Cup but there are still some specifics to go over. Of course, we need to hold our Expert Panel to task and sum up their Heineken Cup picks. But first we need to look at the development coming from the Harlequins vs Biarritz match…
Nick Evans has been an exceptional, integral part of the Harlequins success. The Kiwi fly-half has been so steady running their attack and kicking for points that he’s been questioned time and time again about possible regrets for leaving the All Blacks – especially while watching Stephen Donald. Being Dan Carter’s understudy didn’t appeal to Evans, so he made the move to England. But now things are suddenly a bit fuzzy for Evans. He left Saturday’s match in the 16th minute with an ankle injury and with his contract up at season’s end, he’s considering a move to Japan or France. Further, his understudy, Ben Botica – the son of our pal & Rugby Legend Frano Botica – came off the bench and guided the ‘Quins to an impressive win 40-13 victory. In the process Ben accounted for 18 points in the biggest game he’s played to date. Though he didn’t step onto the same sized stage as Stephen Donald for his performance, this was still a hefty accomplishment. It will be interesting to see how Botica’s play factors in with the Nick Evans contract situation. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, take a peak at this:
And now it’s time to see how our Expert Panel, comprised of West Ghana’s Rugby Rain Man Junoir Blaber, Ireland’s quick-witted fly-half (that’s redundant) Kevin Fegan, feisty French #8 Pyk O’Kallapfer and contrived Kiwi Johnathan Wicklow Barberie fared with their Heineken Cup Picks.
Here are the Panel’s Magic Money Picks:
The Rugby Rain Man himself, Junoir Blaber stole the show – and a ton of loot – by going 12-0. Sipping his soup with a Wooden Spoon this week was Mr. Fegan. Ireland is decked out in black as a result. Johnathan and Pyk did well, but Blaber’s only blemish was his Pick Of The Week. Otherwise, he was 12-0. Pretty impressive…
Please feel free to flog us or our choices with your comments below…
On a serious not, please see the Counter-Rucking Cancer fundraiser. It only takes a moment and anything you have to give is appreciated. Please forward the cause to your mates.
That is it for now. Please look for and “Like” our Facebook Rugby Wrap Up Page and follow us on Twitter @RugbyWrapUp, @JunoirBlaber, @Declan Yeats and @Mathew Drew Turner, respectively.
