From Freddie Burns’s fluffed try to Maro Itoje’s mock celebration, here’s what you need to know about the first weekend of European action in the 2018-19 season
Freddie Burns fluffs a match-winning try
It was an eventful first weekend of European action in the 2018-19 season and there’s only one place to start: Freddie Burns.
Burns was playing at full-back for Bath against Toulouse at the Rec on Saturday and provided another playmaking option alongside fly-half Rhys Priestland.
However, in the closing minutes of the Heineken Champions Cup match and with Bath trailing by two points, Burns made two mistakes that cost his club the chance of victory.
First he missed a penalty in front of the posts and then he crossed for what looked like the match-winning try but the ball was dislodged from his hand by Maxime Medard as Burns celebrated prematurely. Toulouse held on to win 22-20.
Watch the defining moment here…
Five minutes to go…
Chance to win the game…"Oh he's dropped it!"
A brutal moment for Bath star Freddie Burns ? pic.twitter.com/K7S578Rdwx
— Watch #ShoulderToShoulder on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 13, 2018
And here’s what Burns had to say afterwards…
Love this sport for the highs and the lows. Today was an ultimate low and a mistake I’ll learn from. I’ll continue to give my best as I always do. Lastly just apologies to the boys and the supporters for the mistake. I’ll bounce back… thanks for the support ??
— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) October 13, 2018
While Medard later gave Burns his support…
Très heureux d'avoir pu revenir à temps pour éviter cet essai. #NeverGiveUp
Really sorry it happened to @FreddieBurns who's a great guy and an amazing player.
Crédit : @beinsports_FR pic.twitter.com/3wWSfRI89G
— Maxime Médard (@MaxMedard) October 13, 2018
Celebrations were also a hot topic in Saracens’ 13-3 win over Glasgow at Scotstoun. The Warriors looked to have scored a try through DTH van der Merwe just before the break only for play to be called back for an earlier infringement. As Glasgow players celebrated, unaware of the referee’s whistle, Maro Itoje mockingly joined in…
Maro Itoje troll level = ?
• Glasgow steal the ball
• Ref blows for penalty
• Glasgow players don't hear whistle, score try, celebrate wildly…
• Maro Itoje joins in! pic.twitter.com/ULOkgYcLga— Watch #ShoulderToShoulder on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 14, 2018
Cardiff Blues marked their return to Europe’s elite competition with a 30-21 win at Lyon – Gareth Anscombe scoring 20 points…
Gareth Anscombe is playing a blinder today for @cardiff_blues.
A fantastic try from the ? ? pic.twitter.com/ncg94ShQFW
— Watch #ShoulderToShoulder on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 14, 2018
And Newcastle, who last played in the Heineken Cup in 2005, became only the second team to beat Toulon at home in the competition, stunning the three-time champions 26-25. Not bad for a team that’s currently bottom of the Gallagher Premiership…
That winning feeling! pic.twitter.com/ltM1yUiBgD
— Newcastle Falcons (@FalconsRugby) October 14, 2018
Newcastle win in Toulon. Repeat, Newcastle win in Toulon. Only Saracens have done that in Europe. A famous day for the Falcons.
— Nick Mullins (@andNickMullins) October 14, 2018
Let's hear it for the Geordie boys. @FalconsRugby spring from the bottom of the domestic table to beat Champions' Cup triple winners down on the Med. Never mind the fog on the Tyne, Toulon lost in a pea-souped of their own. Now you know why the final's in Newcastle.
— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) October 14, 2018
Leinster started their Champions Cup defence in ominous style, beating Wasps 52-3. Winger James Lowe was the star performer…
"It's a one-man show"
"It's the Lowe show!"
Leinster were on ? against Wasps. pic.twitter.com/gjymKoqTkU
— Watch #ShoulderToShoulder on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 14, 2018
Clermont Auvergne, usually strong contenders in the Champions Cup, are playing in the Challenge Cup this season after a disappointing 2017-18 campaign – and started their bid for silverware with a bang at Northampton…
It was points aplenty at Franklin's Gardens as @SaintsRugby hosted @ASMOfficiel ?
? Here are the best bits from an exciting encounter ?#ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/r3fyDs2w2u
— Challenge Cup (@ERChallengeCup) October 14, 2018
Elsewhere, Colombia showed their skills off the pitch at the sevens at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires…
Never seen the Macarena done before walking out onto the pitch?
Enjoy. #BuenosAires2018 @fecorugby pic.twitter.com/ZpFVnS0AeH
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) October 14, 2018
While these kids found a different use for tackle bags…
I knew they had a reason for turning up to play rugby ???? pic.twitter.com/E2tWjXcztV
— Aled Hughes (@aled_hughes1) October 15, 2018
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