Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Takeaways

Another weekend of international rugby has passed and Bet Central is here to bring you the talking points. 

Dynamite Comes In Small Packages

Darcy Graham and Kurt-Lee Arendse will emerge from this Autumn Nations Series with enhanced reputations and no one will remember them for being small. 

It’s those myths of rugby being a game for big men/women that are slowly being torn apart by the performances of Graham and Arendse. Both players have been tough to handle for defenders while not shirking their own defensive responsibilities. Both of them are now important players for their respective nations.

Wales Are Regressing At A Rate Of Knots

Wales’ loss to Georgia sent shockwaves through the rugby fraternity, but it has been coming. It has been the world-class performances of players such as Taulupe Faletau, Dan Biggar and George North which have papered over the cracks.

Wales have not looked the same since Warren Gatland exited as coach. Wayne Pivac performed admirably on the legacy of Gatland, but as he tries to put his own stamp on the team things are unravelling. He has to stop the rot somehow in 2023.

Wingers In Abundance

South Africa is blessed when it comes to speedsters out wide, seldom have the Springboks lacked options as far as gifted wingers are concerned. Right now they are available in abundance, 2022 debutants Canan Moodie and Arendse have taken to Test rugby like a duck to water. 

The battle-hardened Makazole Mapimpi, Cheslin Kolbe and Sbu Nkosi remain an important part of the Bok side. It will be a pleasant headache to have for Jacques Nienaber going into 2023.

Ardie Savea Being Held Back At No.8

As Josh van der Flier is crowned the best in the world – deservedly so. There are a lot of feelings that Ardie Savea was robbed, not necessarily of the award, but of at least being amongst the nominated candidates. 

But with the presence of Gregory Alldritt, can it be said that Savea is the best no.8 in the world? It’s unlikely he is ahead of the Frenchman, so that would make it difficult for World Rugby to nominate a player who isn’t even the best in his position in the world. If he were at openside flank, it might be a different case.

Ireland And France Are Clear

With all, but 4 teams having wrapped up their End-Of-Year tours and a number of top-class Tests having been played. Ireland and France emerged as the top teams in the world.

There is little surprise when it comes to this conclusion as both started the Autumn Nations Series occupying the top 2 spots in the world. While both were far from their best, they did enough to remain unbeaten.