Writer Francisco Isaac pick out a few stand-out performers from Round 2 of the Rugby Europe Super Cup
Second round completed and round three is on the horizon, and we have a lot to talk about… the Romanian Wolves secured their first Rugby Europe Super Cup win, the Black Lion and Tel-Aviv Heat forced the first tie of the season which means that we have a fair share of MVP contenders.
Let’s see who made our list.
ALIN CONACHE (ROMANIAN WOLVES)
A first-ever win for the Romanian Wolves, and how big was it, as they were able to mount a comeback after trailing by 12 points, with the likes of Hinckley Vaovasa, Johannes van Heerden, Daneile Akerman, and Alin Conache injecting the much need fuel to turnaround the events in Bucharest. And it is about the last player that we are placing our sights on: Alin Conache, the U20 Romanian international.
In his second game for the newly-founded franchise, the scrumhalf pulled the strings, launching speedy plays through his feet, or taking the ball out of the ruck with impressive timing and accuracy, applying a smooth touch to their attacking maneuver while keeping everything tidy. At 21 years old, the number 9 is a future prospect that is already making his impact felt at senior level.
PEDRO LUCAS (LUSITANOS)
After producing an impressive performance against Delta in the previous round, scrum-half Pedro Lucas once again starred for the Lusitanos side. He scored three tries against the Brussels Devils and assisted his teammates for two tries and was a complete threat from start to finish.
His pinpoint passing accuracy and swift speed kept his team on the trail for a try-fest, pushing an astounding offensive strategy that paid off, much to the happiness of the Portuguese fans.
Alongside António Vidinha, Duarte Diniz, Rafael Simões, and Tomás Appleton (the Portuguese legend played his first-ever game as a fly-half, and put up quite a good show), the young scrumhalf was able to deliver an excellent display that helped the Lusitanos score the highest win in the history of the Super Cup.
NICOLÁS JURADO (CASTILLA Y LEÓN IBERIANS)
In the first edition of the Rugby Europe Super Cup, the Spanish international was one of the most pivotal units for the Iberians, and it seems he is poised to be the same in 2022, especially in the set-piece or on those close contact crashes.
Against the Delta, the Iberians forward pack forced five penalties in the scrum, and Jurado played a big role in breaking his direct opposition, imposing well-tuned relentless scrummaging that brings a smile to the faces of scrum lovers.
Apart from his duties in the set-piece, the loosehead prop took the advantage in most of his carries (four out of six) and was quick to react to the opposition's mistakes, regathering the ball, which was how he scored his first try of the season. A powerful unit that just loves to go to the scrum, Nicolás Jurado is one of the main names in the Iberians roster.
SEBASTIAAN JOBB (TEL-AVIV HEAT)
Run, sidestep, run a bit more, sidestep once, sidestep twice, sprint, and try! That’s the best way to sum up Sebastiaan Jobb’s try in Aia Arena, as the fullback was one of the standouts for the Tel-Aviv Heat team, who were close to landing a memorable win against the reigning champions, the Black Lion.
The South African is a true magician of the oval ball, looking always for a way to build or find a gap so that he can run through and create a dangerous opportunity, bringing that joy and excitement to the pitch that any rugby fan loves.
In a very tight and close match, the Israeli side was able to delve inside the Georgian team's defensive line, with Sebastiaan Jobb, Jordan Chait, and Jone Taufaga slicing up some of the best team and individual moves.
70 meters gained, two line-breaks, six defenders beaten, three high balls gathered, one try, and a true wizard of the rugby pitch that is getting better by the season.
