Rupert Cox's Off Load: Champions Cup, George Clancy and Ardie Savea all come under scrutiny
Monday 20 April 2015 16:41, UK
Rupert Cox shares his highlights from the week's rugby action in his round-up blog.
All-French final
Was it ever in doubt? Hell yes. Toulon took their red and black foot off the pedal at the Stade Velodrome, and Leinster missed a huge opportunity to accelerate towards the winner’s jersey. A Jimmy Gopperth drop goal could have avoided extra-time but the Kiwi's effort drifted just wide and Toulon finished the stronger to reach their third straight European Cup Final.
Up in St Etienne, just two weeks after their razzle dazzle display against Northampton, Clermont were made to toil right to the end against Saracens, but in the end Les Jaunards had just enough. If Jacques Burger hadn't knocked on after an excellent Alex Goode kick chase, the Fez Men may well have robbed Clermont of another shot at glory.
But in the end it's the two French giants who have stomped their way to the big show in London. They are patently the two best clubs in Europe so in that sense it's the right outcome, but Leinster and Sarries will rue missing a great chance to tip the French apple cart and to fight the final battle at Twickenham.
With no Brits or Irish on the menu, Twickenham will struggle to fill the 82,000 seats. How about letting in kids free?
Rise to the Challenge
Across the road at the Stoop the night before the main event, Edinburgh and Gloucester will contest the Challenge Cup final – and it could well turn out to be the best spectacle of finals weekend. Edinburgh are the first Scottish team to reach a European final and the Cherry and Whites will be looking to pick up their first Challenge Cup title since 2006.
There's been plenty of chat about the value of this tournament in the new European era, but you can be sure that for both these clubs and their fans it will be a grand occasion. Don't forget the other carrot being dangled is a possible Champions Cup play-off spot to the winner.
England keep Olympic dream alive
Like their male counterparts, the England Women Sevens team are trying to finish at least fourth overall on the World Series and book an automatic Olympic place on behalf of Team GB. Their third-place finish at the latest event in Canada has brought them within six points of close rivals France, who currently occupy that coveted fourth spot.
The next and penultimate round of the series takes place at the Twickenham Stoop in May, so they'll be hoping for an even stronger display to further polish their Rio 2016 chances.
Brickbat
George Clancy and Simon McDowell. Clancy's officiating has never been much loved by the Off Load, but his and TMO McDowell’s inability to notice Chris Ashton's no arms tackle, which prevented a try for Clermont's Napolioni Nalaga in the Champions Cup semi-final, was actively negligent.
On such a big occasion, and with the aid of clear and conclusive television replays, how could they get it so wrong? A penalty try and yellow card should obviously have been issued. Lucky for Clancy and McDowell their error did not affect the end result.
Bouquet
Speaking of howlers – catch the clip of Ardie Savea's bungled try for the Hurricanes against the Waratahs; in the end it proved crucial. The defending Super Rugby champions put on their best display of the season to end the Hurricanes’ eight-game winning streak.
Big Will Skelton made the Wellington ground shake, giving the Tahs plenty of go-forward all day long, and he also picked up a try. The man mountain from Western Sydney is showing signs of being a big mover in this World Cup year.
Leicester Tigers’ new signing Peter Betham collected two tries as if to celebrate his fat new contract, and full-back Israel Folau capped a very smart game with some meat of his own.
