Kiwis will have to deal with resurgent Aussies and Boks
FRANCHISES in Australia and South Africa are set to deliver a 2017 Super Rugby backlash on behalf of their nations, according to Gary Gold and Dean Mumm.
Both countries endured dismal 2016 campaigns, with Australia handed a 3-0 home Test whitewash by England and South Africa suffering thrashings by New Zealand.
Kiwi franchises domi- nated Super Rugby last year with only South Africa’s Lions making a fight of it by reaching the final, in which they lost to the Hurricanes.
However, former Sharks head coach Gold reckons his old side are equipped to lay down a challenge ahead of what he believes will be a compelling season. Gold told The Rugby
Paper: “The standout team from South Africa this year is going to be the Sharks because their continuity has been fantastic. They’ve got world-class half-backs in Pat Lambie and Michael Claassens – if they can stay fit.
“They’re playing Australian sides this year so the draw is very favourable and, without a question of doubt, the Sharks will make the play-offs. And with the Lions playing Australian sides as well, I think they’ll make the play-offs again.”
Of the other South African teams, Gold said: “The Cheetahs and Kings will struggle but I fancy the Bulls could be a real surprise package. They’ve got a great squad on paper and New Zealand teams traditionally hate going to Pretoria.
“If the Bulls get on a good run at home they can go well, but I’m not sure about the Stormers
“Yes, they’re very well coached by Robbie Fleck but they play the New Zealand teams this year and how they handle that will be the key for them.”
Meanwhile, Mumm’s Waratahs are ready to make a dent after a shocking year for Aussie rugby.
The former Exeter lock told TRP: “New Zealand teams absolutely dominated the top six of the Australasian Conference, while to lose a Test series 3-0 to England and suffer two bad losses to New Zealand as well came as a shock.
“But those sort of things make people ask questions and at the Waratahs we’ve got guys like Irae Simone, a good inside-centre, and Jake Gordon who we expect will provide a really good challenge to Nick Phipps at scrum-half.
“We’re looking to win the Australia Conference and I think you’ll also see a resurgent Queensland Reds, who’ve signed experience in George Smith and Stephen Moore.
“The Kiwis start as favourites but our sides will improve.”