NEW YORK, NY: The Super 15 final being won by the Waikato Chiefs was the big event this weekend. There was plenty all over the globe, as well. Let’s stop dancing around like a fullback with the ball and get to the Weekend Wrap-up..
Chiefs vs Brumbies: No, that is not a photo from last year. This is the Chiefs, second straight title, a Chief-Peat they are calling it. The Brumbies led for most of the match but eventually the travel from South Africa to New Zealand for the game took its toll. The Brumbies bench was unable to provide a spark and the Chiefs clawed back into the game and then sealed the victory with the support of their home fans. The Chiefs become only the fourth ever back to back champions in Super Rugby history. Here is the final score:
Chiefs 27 – 22 Brumbies
Kings v Lions: The MTN Golden Lions will be back in Super Rugby next season. Over two tough matches, the Lions edged out the Kings on points differential to secure promotion. Both the home sides lost each match in the series as the pressure seemed to be a factor. It is a shame that a controversial try to the Lions in the first leg seemed to be the difference. Here is the final scores:
Fri – 26th Jul 13 Southern Kings 19 – 26 Lions
Sat – 3rd Aug 13 Lions 18 – 23 Southern Kings
Lions promoted on points differential of +2
J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s: The premier domestic club 7s finished its round of Pool Play. Their seemed to be some exciting matches all over the place, with great finishes and players stating their case for the English national team set-up. From US perspective Blaine Scully, seemed to have an impressive display for the Leicester Tigers. As he is on trail with the Tigers, this might mean he is closer to securing a pro contract. Here are the final scores:
GROUP A
Thursday 1 August
Kingsholm, Gloucester Rugby
Standings:
Pos Team Pld W D L Pts
1)Worcester Warriors 7s 3 3 0 0 15
2)Gloucester Rugby 7s 3 2 0 1 10
3)Bath Rugby 7s 3 1 0 2 5
4) Exeter Chiefs 7s 3 0 0 3 1
GROUP B
Friday 2 August
Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton Saints
Standings:
Pos Team Pld W D L Pts
1)Newcastle Falcons 3 3 0 0 13
2)Leicester Tigers 3 2 0 1 8
3)Sale Sharks 3 1 0 2 7
4)Northampton Saints 3 0 0 3 4
GROUP C
Saturday 3 August
Allianz Park, Saracens
Standings:
Pos Team Pld W D L Pts
1)Harlequins 3 3 0 0 15
2)Saracens 3 2 0 1 10
3)London Irish 3 1 0 2 5
4)London Wasps 3 0 0 3 2
Womens Nations Cup: Having already sent a developmental side, England gave its bench players a run against South Africa. They ended up needed to bring the heavy artillery off the bench to save face and scrap a victory. In the border war between Canada and the USA, the US managed to start strong and finish strong. Although the Canadians made a game of it, the US held them off and never really let the Canadians get into the match. The US has the pole position to win the cup with the final matches scheduled for Wednesday. Here are today’s results and Wednesday’s fixtures:
03 AUG 2013
England 18 – 17 South Africa
USA 29 – 17 Canada
07 AUG 2013
Canada – South Africa
USA – England
Ben Ryan Resigns: In an unexpected move, RWU friend Ben Ryan has stepped down after 6 seasons in charge of the England 7s team. We are working on getting thoughts and comments from RWU Corespondent Matthew Drew Turner. Ryan will work with the RFU on finding a replacement. His assistant Russell Earnshaw will step down too. It is widely expected that Ryan’s countryman, Mike Friday, who has been campaigning for the position for the last couple of years is the likely successor. Friday stepped down from his position as 7s coach of Kenya on July 31st.
Pam Kosanke Resigns: In a devastating bit of news, Pam Kosanke has stepped down as Chief Marketing Officer for USA Rugby. She is credited with the #workforit campaign and the revamping of the USA Rugby website. She will be missed and more pressure will be plied on Nigel Melville.
That is it for now, feel free to comment below, look for and “Like” our Facebook Rugby Wrap Up Page and follow us on Twitter @RugbyWrapUp, @JunoirBlaber, @Declan Yeats, @ckuxmann and @Ebstide52, respectively. And until the next time… stay low and keep pumping those legs.
