Check out our biggest moments from the past weekend of Autumn international rugby that saw Cheslin Kolbe soar, and things go from bad to worse for Steve Borthwick and Warren Gatland.
“Best in the world” Kolbe to the fore for Boks
South Africa were too strong for England at Twickenham on Saturday, overcoming some rough patches to ultimately take home a 29-20 win. Rassie Erasmus’ troops again had the impact of the Bomb Squad to thank in the second half, while several individual performances propelled the side over the line. And as good as the likes of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth were once again, it was Cheslin Kolbe who really stole the show in London.
The Tokyo Sungoliath man touched down twice in a display that reminded all and sundry that the mantle of world’s best winger – and arguably best player altogether – belongs to Kolbe at the moment. The 31-year-old’s finishing, execution and match awareness are unparalleled, and he must surely be within touching distance of a first World Player of the Year title.
Borthwick and Gatland’s time nearly up
Many in the game feel that Steve Borthwick’s status as England boss needs some serious reconsideration after the side fell to a fifth successive loss in their defeat to the Boks on Saturday. Former players-turned-pundits Andy Goode and Ugo Monye are just two who’ve been condemnatory of the former Saracens second-rower of late, with some believing the Red Roses are in need of a coaching overhaul.
Despite the continued excellence of Marcus Smith at flyhalf, the team that came within a point of reaching what would have been a second consecutive World Cup final have made losing a habit over the course of the past several months, while some of the tactical decisions made by Borthwick, notably involving substitutions, have been heavily criticised.
If Borthwick is under fire, Warren Gatland must be on his last legs. Wales were beaten 20-52 by the Wallabies in Cardiff on Sunday, marking an 11th consecutive loss under his leadership. With the Springboks visiting the Principality Stadium this weekend, could he possibly still be in charge come the start of the Six Nations?
Does the Stade de France have the best Test match atmosphere in the game?
Having hosted last year’s World Cup with aplomb, the organisers in Paris again put on a stellar show at the Stade de France for France’s titanic matchup with the All Blacks on Saturday. The vibe during the anthems, Haka, and indeed throughout the entire match itself, was positively electric, with the stadium surely producing the best Test match atmosphere these days. The crowd’s noise at the final whistle following the host’s nail-biting 30-29 win was thunderous.
