Who's hot and who's not? 'Stark decline' for ex-PREM champions while Ulster 'streets ahead' of Munster
It's time for our Monday wrap of who's making the headlines and who's making them for all the wrong reasons after the weekend.
ON FIRE!
Ulster shines: Ulster (https://www.planetrugby.com/team/ulster) dominated from start to finish, proving their upward trajectory under Richie Murphy. They thrashed Munster 28-3, showcasing physical dominance, superior fundamentals, and a hungrier approach. Players like Werner Kok, Bryn Ward, Nathan Doak, and Zac Ward stood out, contributing to their third-place finish in the United Rugby Championship (https://www.planetrugby.com/tournament/united-rugby-championship).
Perpignan: Who saw this coming? Perpignan (https://www.planetrugby.com/team/perpignan) shocked Top 14 leaders Toulouse with a 30-27 victory, moving them off the bottom. Despite trailing 21-11 at halftime, USAP fought back, with Joaquin Oviedo's late try sealing the deal. While Toulouse had stars missing, credit to Perpignan.
Newcastle: Newcastle Red Bulls (https://www.planetrugby.com/team/newcastle-red-bulls) secured their first PREM (https://www.planetrugby.com/tournament/premiership) win, beating Gloucester 25-19. George McGuigan, Tom Christie, and Simon Benitez Cruz scored tries, and Brett Connon's 10 points sealed the deal. This could be a turning point, with exciting signings like Hoskins Sotutu on the horizon.
Duncan Weir: Glasgow Warriors bid farewell to the veteran fly-half with a try in his final outing. Weir, respected by the Warriors, ends his career on a high, focusing on coaching now.
Northampton v Harlequins: Five insights as 'England 2.0' Northampton (https://www.planetrugby.com/team/northampton-saints) dominates, while Harlequins (https://www.planetrugby.com/team/harlequins) struggles, facing 'repercussions'.
COLD AS ICE!
Harlequins: A CEO and chairman statement after a heavy defeat is a sign of trouble. Harlequins (https://www.planetrugby.com/team/harlequins) leaked 66 points, sitting third from bottom and in stark decline. Jason Gilmore, the defense guru, faces the heat.
Munster: The URC champions struggled against Ulster, failing in attack and defense. Physically dominated and lacking hunger, they need solutions quickly, especially ahead of a Champions Cup trip to Toulon.
Ulster v Munster: Five insights as 'ultimate vibe' shines against 'fumbling' visitors.
Gloucester: Injuries and poor performance plague Gloucester, with restructuring on the cards. Support calls for significant change.
Scarlets: Welsh region Scarlets (https://www.planetrugby.com/team/scarlets) hit a new low, losing to the Dragons. They remain in the URC's bottom spot, two points behind Zebre Parma.
Sharks: Sharks (https://www.planetrugby.com/team/sharks) missed a chance to boost their URC campaign, losing to the Lions. A late try by Hassiem Pead won the game, leaving them in 14th place.
Ridl mistake: Rob Baxter's wing, Campbell Ridl, took out Bath's Henry Arundell, resulting in a red card. A lesson learned, hopefully.
Top 14 gift: La Rochelle thumped Toulon 66-0, giving them much-needed points and seventh place. Toulon's focus on the Champions Cup may have affected the result.
