It's time for our Monday wrap of who's hot and who's not in the world of rugby. Let's dive into the highs and lows of the weekend's action.
On Fire
Rob Baxter
Rob Baxter, the veteran Exeter boss, had a wedding anniversary to celebrate, and what better way than by leading his team to a stunning comeback win over Bath? The Chiefs were down, but Baxter's tactical substitutions and strategic thinking turned the tide. He took off a struggling winger and his entire front-row early in the second half, limiting Bath's damage and igniting a 26-27 victory. It was a masterclass in bench management and trust in his plan B. His role throughout the season has been invaluable, and his team's qualification for the PREM Rugby final is a testament to his leadership.
Tom Litchfield
Northampton's Tom Litchfield is on fire, firing the imagination of fans with his exceptional performances. His first-half hat-trick against Leicester was crucial in the Saints' 45-31 semi-final victory. Litchfield's physicality and ability to cross the gain line have added a new dimension to Northampton's attacking prowess. His tries showcased his versatility, from a run-in from outside the 22 to opportunism at the line, and a lovely step and power through the contact from close range. He's certainly living up to the promise shown in last term's breakthrough campaign.
Kyren Taumoefolau
Moana Pasifika may have gone bust, but Kyren Taumoefolau's legacy in the game is secure. He earned his stripes in the pro ranks with the franchise and contributed to their best season in 2025. His reward was a two-year deal at the Chiefs, and his performance in the Super Rugby semi-final showcased why they snapped him up. Taumoefolau's early tries were a testament to his patience and ability to improvise, hugging the touchline and kicking on Cortez Ratima's kick through to scatter the defense. His contribution to the team's success is undeniable.
Racing 92
Racing 92's upset win over Pau in the play-off rematch was a team effort. The Parisians turned the tables on their previous defeat, scoring 23 points in 17 minutes to transform a 17-10 deficit into a 17-33 lead. Their determination to cling on to their victory was evident, even when ignoring coaching calls to kick a penalty and instead tapping and scoring a try. Demba Bamba's try assist was a highlight, showcasing his alertness and ability to produce sweet offloads. Racing's togetherness and clinical attitude were the difference on the night.
Harvey Skinner
Harvey Skinner, the fly-half, was the ultimate difference maker for Exeter. His energetic direction of traffic from the 10 position got the team firing. Skinner's patience and talent are examples of why coaches must show patience with certain players who take longer to mature. He's now in his prime and loving it, contributing to Exeter's success in the PREM Rugby semi-final.
Cold as Ice
Santiago Carreras
Santiago Carreras, filling in at 10 for Bath, failed to deliver in the crucial moment. Instead of getting into position to fire over the winning kick, he bottled the responsibility and suffered from white line fever. His failure to take charge of the Bath emergency and kick his team through to the decider was a shocking dereliction of duty. Some of rugby's most iconic moments are late drop goal winners, and Carreras' lack of action will live with him all summer.
Cam Roigard
Cam Roigard, the swashbuckling scrum-half, faced criticism for his sudden return to his feet and quick tap after an aerial collision with Beauden Barrett. His actions were deemed a dark arts ploy, and the referee's failure to call him back left a sour taste in the mouth. The incident raised questions about the speed of thought and space in rugby, and the potential for foul play. The All Blacks greats weighed in on the controversy, highlighting the fortunate nature of Barrett's actions.
Crusaders
The Crusaders' loss to the Chiefs was humiliating, with the team never having a sniff. They trailed 42-5 at the break, and the critics were quick to boot Rob Penney on his way out. The team's inconsistency this term, winning just eight of their 14 regular-season matches, was a contributing factor. The loss of their Super Rugby champions mantle to the Chiefs was a significant blow, and the critics were not slow to voice their opinions.
Pau
Pau's home stadium, Stade du Hameau, is no longer seen as a fortress after their loss to Racing. The team's run of 13 home wins in 13 league matches this season was proven to be meaningless. Pau's indiscretions cost them heavily, as Racing kicked four penalties for 12 points to Pau's one kick for three. The visitors also scored a try from a tap five meters out, showcasing their clinical attitude and take-your-points approach. It was a hard lesson for Pau, who now face the challenge of avoiding a fifth play-off in six years.
