2011: A year in pictures - Part One
Another year has passed us by and just before we call in the New Year, the rugby365.com team has compiled a collection of the images that defined the year. In Part One we look back at the first half of 2011.
In this first part of our year-end galleries, we check out the action from South Africa’s Varsity Cup, England’s Aviva Premiership, Europe’s Six Nations and the Heineken Cup and, down south, the Super Rugby competition…
There were wins for the likes of UCT (in the Varsity Cup), England (in the Six Nations), Saracens (in the Premiership), Leinster (in the Heineken Cup) and the Reds (in Super Rugby)… and, with it, some fantastic images, too.
Sit back and enjoy, our first photo gallery of 2011:
Jubilation – Ikey Tigers Ricky Rijs (No.14) and Marcel Brache (right) celebrate with try-scorer Greg Mallett during their Varsity Cup Final win over Tuks.
High flyer – England claimed the Six Nations crown where Chris Ashton starred and caught the headlines with his swallow dives.
No French flair – A poor French side lost their crown and were trampled on in the tournament.
Italian joy – Even a passionate Azzurri achieved a memorable victory over a surrendering French side.
Prophalf – Even SA-born front row Matt Stevens got stuck in at scrumhalf during Saracens’ Aviva Premiership Final victory over Leicester Tigers.
A family affair – Farrell Senior (Andy) flips the kicking tee to his son Owen for the Sarries pivot to have another pot at goal in the final.
Champagne shower – Man of the Match Schalk Brits uses the Premiership trophy to shield himself from the champagne during the celebrations.
Irish jig – Ireland’s joy came from Leinster’s Heineken Cup stars, with Jonathan Sexton stepping out of Ronan O’Gara’s shadow as the leading Irish playmaker.
All hail BOD – Leinster star Brian O’Driscoll ticked off another box in his glittering career when he lifted his second Heineken Cup title.
Hello world – Sonny Bill Williams announced his arrival in Super Rugby with some storming displays for the ‘homeless’ Crusaders.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? – ‘Super Sarel’ was the spark the Cheetahs needed to topple some of the big boys in the competition.
Baby face – Sharks and Bok starlet Pat Lambie grew into the No.10 jersey and wasn’t afraid of the big boys bashing him about.
Jou lekker ding – Schalk Burger’s Stormers had their moments and were the best of the South African teams (winning the SA Conference), but fell short of glory once again.
Eat, Pray, Love – The Bulls bade farewell to Bakkies and few others from the old guard.
Paint it Red – Scrumhalf Will Genia did the damage in the final to seal the Reds’ stunning Super Rugby triumph over the Crusaders in Brisbane.
