Scotland Bully England | Ireland Scrape Past Italy | Dayimani Back To Stormers |

 Racing 92 & Hacjivah Dayimani part ways

Racing 92 and Hacjivah Dayimani have mutually agreed to end their collaboration. The decision is reportedly for personal reasons, allowing the South African loose forward to return home and be closer to family. 

 Blues coaching succession talk

Reports suggest Ian Foster and Tony Brown (often linked through All Blacks structures) are being discussed as potential candidates for the Blues head coach role when Vern Cotter departs at the end of the season. 

Fabian Holland injury blow

Highlanders and All Blacks lock Fabian Holland is set to miss the Super Rugby Pacific season and the July Test window through injury — a major loss for both franchise and national depth in the second row.

Was this a warning sign for Ireland?

Italy pushed Ireland far harder than many expected. It took Ireland 17 minutes to score their first try, which is notable given how dominant and fast-starting they’ve been in recent seasons.

Talking points:

• Italy’s defensive structure and breakdown work slowed Ireland significantly.
• Ireland looked less intense and less sharp early on.
• Are we seeing a slight drop in tempo compared to the Ireland of 2022–2023?

Italy robbed?

Debate around key decisions late in the game — Italy arguably deserved more from the contest. The bigger takeaway though: this Italian side is no longer a bonus-point opponent.

How good are Italy now?

• Better game management.
• Improved physicality.
• Confidence to stay in systems for 80 minutes.

Did we hype England too early?

After early optimism, England looked blunt against a Scotland side that simply outmuscled them up front.

Key discussion points:

• Scotland’s forwards dominated collisions and gainline.
• England struggled to adapt once Plan A stalled.
• Is England’s attack still too predictable?

Gregor Townsend’s milestone

Townsend’s 100th Test as Scotland coach, and remarkably he has now beaten England six times in ten meetings. That consistency in this fixture says a lot about Scotland’s preparation and clarity of approach.

Game plan too rigid?

• Heavy reliance on one-off runners.
• Lack of variation once Scotland slowed the breakdown.
• Limited attacking width until late in the game.

Finn Russell — prime time

Game control, kicking variation, and decision-making at its best. When Russell plays flat and challenges the line, Scotland look like a genuine Tier 1 threat.

Henry Arundell red card — correct call?

Big debate point. Technically correct under current framework, but again raises the question about intent vs outcome in red card decisions.

Super Rugby Round 1

Moana Pasifika

Picking up right where they left off — confidence, physicality, and attacking ambition. They’re becoming one of the competition’s most entertaining sides.

Fijian Drua

Could be a tougher season ahead after losing key personnel. Depth and consistency away from home remain concerns.

Chiefs vs Blues

Tight, high-quality contest — finals intensity already. The Chiefs’ structure vs the Blues’ physical edge makes this one of the best matchups in Super Rugby right now.

Highlanders vs Crusaders

Crusaders beginning to find rhythm again, while the Highlanders will feel the absence of Fabian Holland in the pack.