"Styles make fights is a familiar ring mantra and the same is increasingly true in top-level rugby. On the one hand you had Northampton, all razor-sharp angles and dextrous hands. On the other was Bath, renowned for their knack of wearing their rivals down and then picking them off in the closing stages."
"The upshot on Friday night, just as Dowson had predicted, was a truly classic knock-out tie in which Bath overcame an early 28-7 deficit to win 43-41 and reach their first European Cup semi-final in 20 years."
"An entire column, by the way, could be written about English rugby's treatment of Willis and his Bordeaux-bound brother Tom and the difference both could yet make to their country's World Cup prospects next year."
"Bordeaux rammed home 25 unanswered points, demonstrating their capability to defend their Champions Cup title even when they are below their shimmering best."
Phil Dowson compared boxing and rugby, highlighting contrasting styles between Northampton and Bath. Northampton's sharp play clashed with Bath's endurance strategy. Bath's comeback from a 28-7 deficit to win 43-41 marked their first European Cup semi-final in 20 years. In contrast, the Bordeaux Begles vs. Toulouse match was more defensive, showcasing individual talent like Jack Willis. Bordeaux's resilience was evident as they scored 25 unanswered points, demonstrating their capability to defend their Champions Cup title despite not being at their best.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]