All Blacks toughest hurdle for Springboks
THE Rugby Championship kicks off next week and we look at South Africa’s opponents to gauge the Springboks’ chances in the coming eight weeks.
Argentina: The Pumas will be better for the experience of playing in the tournament last year, and certainly more in tune with what they need to do to compete with the three best sides in the world. The main aspect they need to improve on is attacking and finishing. The Pumas were fit and organised on defence in 2012, forcing a draw against the Boks in Mendoza, and narrowly losing to the Wallabies in Rosario and the Gold Coast. Their build up to this year’s tournament has been frustrating, losing twice at home to a second-string England before edging Georgia. Admittedly, most of the Pumas first-choice players weren’t on view in June and now they’re racing to bring their European-based players up to speed to face the Springboks at FNB Stadium on August 17. Key game: against the Springboks in Mendoza on August 24
Australia : It’s hard to tell where the Wallabies are after coach Robbie Deans was fired following a 2-1 series loss to the British & Irish Lions. Former Reds coach Ewen McKenzie is at the helm and he’s made it clear the Wallabies
will have a more attacking attitude with the recall of mercurial flyhalf Quade Cooper. Scrumming remains an Australian weakness and without quality front-foot ball there is very little Cooper and scrumhalf Will Genia can do to make the Wallabies consistently dangerous. They’ll always pose a threat, especially at home, but have seldom appeared so vulnerable. Key game: against the All Blacks on August 17 in Sydney
New Zealand: The world champions are purring along and with their key players finding form at the end of the Super Rugby season, it is hard to bet against the All Blacks winning the title again. Flyhalf Dan Carter is in mesmerising form, while understudy Aaron Cruden led the Chiefs to a second successive Super Rugby title. Up front, the tight five is strong, although the hooking position, with the ageing Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu and the inexperienced Dane Coles their options, could be a small weakness. Fullback Israel Dagg looks sharp; wing Zac Guildford was impressive in Super Rugby, while evergreen centre Conrad Smith provides brains and power to the midfield. Richie McCaw has been eased back after a six-month sabbatical from the game. No 8 Kieran Read is the best in his position and lock Sam Whitelock is nearly as good as Eben Etzebeth, which makes him phenomenal. Key game: against South Africa at Ellis Park on October 6.