Exhausting. Exhilarating. Rugby on steroids. A crushing missed opportunity for Scotland. A clutch cameo delivered by a bloodied DMac.
Ahead of the Prem final, wrote a long deep dive on Johann van Graan; his start as a 16yo analyst at the Bulls, his trials with the Boks and in Ireland, and his meticulous construction of a treble winning side in England's West Country.
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Finn Russell's not a maverick - he represents the best of rugby
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Jonny Hill speaks about the incident at the Rec for the first time. "I took it all personally,” he says.
The Shropshire Skyscraper on farm life, Sale's trophy quest, and a seminal few months where he'll become a father and move abroad.
Long read 👇
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Wrote a bit about Glasgow's semi-final, 'SQ' recruitment and Henco Venter.
Interesting sideshow to a massive weekend for the Warriors 👇
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Wee bit of fog on the Tyne this afternoon.
The Gallagher Prem returns with a northern showdown at Kingston Park. Falcons and Sharks. Diamond and Sanderson. Chick and Curry. Local lads and muscle from the Highveld.
Join us on TNT and Discovery+ from 7.30 🦅🦈
Loved putting together this deep dive into Tom Jordan's remarkable back story. It wasn't so long ago third-tier clubs in England were turning him down. He's had to fight for every inch on the journey to Test rugby.
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That - that right there - was Champions Cup rugby as it should be. Another rich, nerve-shredding chapter scribed in the story of Northampton Saints versus Munster. The Gardens absolutely jumping. What a contest. More, please.
The fact there aren't many surprises - and no real 'shocks' - in today's squad shows where Scotland are: settled, cohesive, with a solid age profile and the Toony Tombola gathering dust. Burke looks an excellent get, quietly impressive for Sarries. Steyn, injured against Racing, a big loss.
If it wasn't for some laddie called Antoine, Baptiste Serin would be playing a lot more Test match rugby. Outrageously good again for Toulon, who put Harlequins to the sword with a blend of punch and panache. Tasty scrap with a bit of history between Quins and Glasgow next week.
When Gloucester get it right, they're a fabulous watch. Their savaging of a weirdly off-colour Sale was so compelling today. Such swagger and panache. And few better places to watch rugby than Kingsholm when the Cherry and Whites are on song. Place was bouncing.
Had a fascinating chat with Byron McGuigan, the brain behind @SaleSharksRugby's crushing of the Bristol swashbucklers.
"If every wing was top-end faster than me, I needed to be a faster thinker than them. Defence became my super-strength."
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Why it's Glasgow's time to come of age in the Champions Cup
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In a Bok squad rich with uplifting stories, Aphelele Fassi's was among the most compelling of 2024.
He's attacked his flaws, gained maturity, and made himself a Test mainstay.
Frank and seriously candid long read with the Sharks flying machine.
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Weird and strangely beguiling to watch Racing's A-listers tearabout a fourth-tier stadium on a gluepot pitch. Still, a fun one to call.
No sign of the drab Top 14 form which has left Racing eighth. Touches of supreme class from their go-to men. How they yearn to put a star on the jersey.
Absolutely loved the reaction from Afolabi Fasogbon on the weekend. Some will baulk at this - and that's their prerogative - but rugby needs to embrace a bit more spice if it's going to grow. Like all young props, he'll be taught a few lessons, but let's enjoy his personality and talent.
Playing around with Oval stats. It is absolutely outrageous how much of an outlier Bristol Bears are.
They kick just 11.9 times per match. Only one other side, the Sharks (19.5) who also kick less than 20 times per match.
They carry 159.9 times per match, Toulouse (145.3) only team over 140.
I've just posted a video of 32 Great Rugby Tries in 2024 - some absolute scorchers in here!
Check it out using the link: youtu.be/yo6BqYFkp9A
So much to like about Newcastle tonight. Defensively rugged, attacking gears we've seldom seen and nous to see it out. Pure and uplifting scenes at FT. Their spirit has never been in question but this evening, the quality matched the heart. First win over Sarries in 15 years! 🎙️
Hello, Bluesky...
Some thoughts on Scotland's autumn, and why it's (finally) time for this talented group to win a trophy.
It also features an image of Jamie Ritchie appearing to chokeslam Josh Bayliss.
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