#RugbyChampionship preview – Round 2
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Loading...In a shortened version of the Rugby Championship, the two losers of week one are practically in last chance saloon while victories for week one’s winners would set up a winner-takes-all Bledisloe Cup clash in Round 3.
It makes for a must-see weekend of action.
South Africa v New Zealand:
Form: The All Blacks started their campaign with a resounding win against Argentina but are yet to put in a true 80-minute performance this season. By their own remarkably high standards, they were lacklustre against Samoa in a one-off Test which warmed them up for The Rugby Championship. The hit out in Apia certainly did the trick however, as they blew the Pumas away inside an hour at Christchurch last Friday. But a spirited comeback from the visitors exposed some frailties in the All Blacks that will be a focal point of the South Africans’ homework this week.
South Africa followed a comfortable exhibition victory over a World XV with an injury time defeat in Australia last Saturday. The Springboks built a sizeable lead in the game but faded badly as they lost a number of forwards to injury while a decision to change their entire front row at once, with 30 minutes to still to play, seemingly backfired as they endured a torrid time in the scrum in the dying stages.
The last time they met: A rare All Blacks defeat occurred the last time these great rivals clashed in October. The two nations could not be split in terms of tries scored (three apiece). This was also the case in their meeting in New Zealand last September (one apiece); a sign of how well matched these two teams are at the moment.
As you may expect from a match that produced six tries, both sides had plenty of attacking opportunities. New Zealand made 15 clean breaks to South Africa’s 10 but a fourth try eluded them, perhaps due to 19 turnovers conceded, six more than the Boks.
Where it will be won: A late collapse against Australia may well be playing on South Africa’s minds and a very competent All Blacks scrum may well be a game-breaker should this game be settled late on. Despite conceding three tries against the Wallabies, South Africa defended magnificently for long periods at Suncorp Stadium and have proved before that they can soak up pressure when taking on the world’s number one-ranked side.
Argentina v Australia
Form: Argentina put up a brave fight against the All Blacks in the tournament opener, but were ultimately outclassed for long periods. In contrast, Australia toiled and toiled against South Africa for long periods with little reward, until a late purple patch saw them snatch a terrific come-from-behind victory.
The last time they met: Argentina secured a historic first victory in this tournament in October. This was made all the more impressive by the fact they trailed at half-time (8-14), eventually winning 21-17. Both sides scored two tries apiece but a penalty count that read 9-16, in favour of the home side, ultimately cost the Wallabies. The men in gold also suffered at scrum time, as they so often have, losing two of seven while the Pumas won all five of their put ins.
Where it will be won: Argentina suffered badly at the hands of the New Zealand scrum, though their lineout was impeccable (13/13 throws) and conjured two tries. The Wallabies scrum has often been their Achilles heel in the last few seasons, though signs of a rebirth in this facet of the game were apparent against the Springboks. Two of Australia’s tries also originated with lineout ball and expect both sides to launch the ball into the corner whenever possible. Australia will look to release their pacy backs as much as possible in a bid to emulate what the All Blacks did to the Pumas, but at home Argentina will attempt to dictate this game through the forwards and starve the Australia ball players of quality possession.
Courtesy of SANZAR
Photo: Werner Nischen / Rugby 15
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