2019 Rugby Championship
THIS year’s Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend.
The All Blacks are the three-time backto-back defending champions and play Argentina at Jose Amalfitani Stadium (Estadio Velez Sarsfield) in Buenos Aires.
NZ won the 2018 championship for the sixth time as the All Blacks beat Australia (38-13 and 40-12) and Argentina (46-24 and 35-17) but went down to the Springboks at the ‘Cake Tin’ (36-34).
The ‘Boks recorded their first win on NZ soil since the ‘09 win (32-29).
However, NZ bounced back and inflicted pain on the ‘Boks at Loftus Versfeld Stadium winning in the dying moments (3230). The All Blacks finished top with 25 points followed by the ‘Boks (15 points) and Australia and Argentina level on nine points.
Furthermore, a blend of experience and five uncapped players have been named — Reece, Atu Moli, Jacobson, Josh Ioane and Braydon Ennor will make their Test debut.
The darlings of rugby have worked hard on building relationships, re-establishing connections and combinations so that they play with real intensity against the confident and physical Pumas, whose players will take a lot of confidence and self-belief from the Jaguares.
In addition, Argentina will use this massive opportunity to make a statement.
The closest Argentina came to beating NZ was back in 1985 where they battled to a 21-21 draw. NZ and Argentina have played each other 28 times since 1976 with the All Blacks winning 27 times.
The All Blacks have won the Rugby Championship in 2012-2014 and again in 2016-2018 (as well as a Rugby Championship “Grand Slam” in 2012-2013 and 20162017).
Tu’ungafasi, Coles, Ta’avao, Retallick, Tuipulotu, Fifita, Cane, Savea, Aaron Smith, Beauden and Jordie Barrett, Laumape, Lienert-Brown, Reece, Ben Smith, Coltman, Atu Moli, Laulala, Hemopo, Jacobson, Weber, Josh Ioane, and Braydon Ennor have been handed the ominous task of containing the Pumas onslaught in Buenos Aires.
The past five battles have been won by NZ. In 2016 NZ beat Argentina (36-17) and in 2017 and 2018 won handsomely (39-22, 3610, 46-24 and 35-17).
While NZ will be favourites, let’s not count out an upset. Nonetheless, all the best to the kings of rugby — NZ! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM
Nadawa, Nasinu