Rugby Review of the Year 2022

Rugby has taken centre stage in the media this year with a World Cup that was won by Australia, a series of thrashings for the Springboks and Spain's ignominious departure from the competition. While these were all impressive matches in their own right, it's difficult to say where the best rugby has come from in the past year. With the upcoming World Cup in 2022, the game is set to continue to rise in popularity. Here are some of the games that you should keep your eye on this season.

New Zealand's record crowds

If you've ever watched a rugby game in New Zealand, you'll know that it's a country that's proud of its rugby teams. But you may not be aware that the country has already set a record crowd for a women's sport match. The Black Ferns' resounding win against France in the semifinals broke the record for the biggest women's sports match in the country, with over a million people turning out to watch the Black Ferns defeat the French in front of a one-million-plus viewership.

Australia's win over South Africa

Australia is one of the world's premier rugby teams. It has won the Rugby World Cup two times. They are also in the top three in the IRB rankings. So it's no surprise they're in the 2022 review. But they've lost a few matches in recent years.

After an impressive start to the year, the Wallabies were left to dust themselves down after their first loss in five years against New Zealand. Their defeat in Sydney was their biggest ever at the SCG. However, the Springboks proved too much for them, with a 24-8 victory in the third match of the Tri Nations Series.

Beauden Barrett's injury-free streak

The All Blacks have won three tough test matches on the road so far. A win in the next two would see them top the Brumbies and Crusaders in the Super Rugby table.

However, the All Blacks have not been at their best in recent months. Their first Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg was a resounding win. Despite a controversial red card, the team showed grit and determination. They won the high-octane match-up due to a scrum, an aerial battle and a kicking game.

Spain's disqualification from the World Cup

Spain has been disqualified from the Rugby World Cup in 2022 after failing to qualify for the tournament for a second time. This means Romania will take its place and will also be automatically qualified for the tournament in France.

The Spanish federation will make a statement shortly. They have also announced a disciplinary procedure for four players accused of tampering with their passports.

Alfonso Feijoo, president of the Spanish rugby federation, has said that the board and he will step down once the disciplinary process is completed. After this, they will explain the situation to the public.

Eko Software's Rugby franchise

Rugby 22 is the latest installment in Eko Software's Rugby franchise. The new game is set for release on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in January 2022. It offers an array of features, from a robust career mode to a plethora of official teams.

Eko Software, which is located in Paris, has teamed up with publisher Nacon to create the latest version of the popular sports game. This edition is an improvement over its predecessors. In addition to improved graphics and gameplay, it features improved AI and a new difficulty mode.

Azzurri's brilliance in setting up Edoardo Padovani for the try

Italy ended a 36-match losing streak with a thrilling victory over Wales in Cardiff. It was the first time the Azzurri had beat the Welsh in the Six Nations in nine years. The win was also the first time they have won on Welsh soil.

Ange Capuozzo made a sensational debut for the Azzurri and scored twice. He also set up the winning try for Edoardo Padovani. After the match, he was awarded the man of the match award by Josh Adams.

In the final minute, the Italian fullback stepped past Kieran Hardy and scored a stunning try. It was the match winner, and Italy have now won one from five Six Nations matches this season.

James Hume's injury-free streak

In the rugby review of the year 2022, Jonathan Bradley looks at the season that Ulster have had. Their performance was a big disappointment, with them failing to deliver where it mattered most. The squad also lost a number of key players to injury, including their centre James Hume.

After an impressive season in the All-Ireland League, it was hoped that Hume would be able to continue his injury-free run in the first half of the 22/23 campaign. However, he departed from the team with a serious injury. Nevertheless, he did return in time to play in the URC and Europe, and he has now been confirmed as Leinster's starting centre for their URC fixture against Newcastle Falcons.