Springboks smash Wallabies as Los Pumas stun All Blacks
THE 2024 RUGBY CHAMpionship kicked off last Saturday (Aug 10) with two dramatic results.
South Africa’s defeat of Australia at ‘fortress Brisbane’ was expected but not with such an emphatic 33-7 scoreline or performance.
In the first half the Boks had 80% possession and territory, resulting in a 21-0 half-time lead, although it could have been much more.
During my years at Eastern Suburbs in Sydney, I got to know and understand the South African mentality, as their Super Rugby teams trained at our club. They thrive on physicality – it is in their DNA.
However, the impact of the Springboks’ current assistant coach Tony Brown, a Kiwi, should not be overlooked as they continue to become very efficient at team play.
Across the Tasman in
Wellington the All Blacks were upstaged by Argentina. I suspect many Kiwi pundits predicted this result as recent narrow wins against England camouflaged key problems.
If the All Black forward pack feels the pressure, and that means mentally as well as physically, their team fluency is affected. Wild passes and missed tackles all contributed to their vulnerability as the Los Pumas triumphed 38-30.
It seems Argentina could thrive under new coach Felipe Contepomi. If they are able to defeat the Kiwis at their Eden Park spiritual home tomorrow (Aug 17), then global rugby standings will need reviewing, especially as it will be Argentina’s third victory over the All Blacks in the last four years.
Repeat fixtures take place tomorrow and both Australia and New Zealand have selection problems, with pack changes inevitable for the Wallabies.
The All Blacks will hope for Scott Barrett’s return, having sorely missed his leadership, and Beauden Barrett may start at 10 with Will Jordan returning at full-back.
Many global pundits consider the Rugby Championship to be a lesser competition than the Northern Hemisphere’s Six Nations. However, on the evidence of last Saturday’s games, I think not.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www. rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.