Jul 8th, 2007 | Test Rugby | 10 Comments | print
As I noted previously, the Springbok guests in Sydney on 07-07-2007 started the Mandela Challenge Plate as if their lives depended upon the outcome and quickly accumulated 17 unanswered points against the heavy favorites the Wallabies. In the first stanza, it seemed that the Aussie’s simply weren’t interested in scoring despite this match being the last home test match for the legendary team of Greegan (133 Caps) and Larkham (100 Caps).
Of course, with two Wallabies having the combined test match experience of the entire South African team, it is not surprising that cool heads prevailed. With tries before and after half-time, Australia brought the score-line level. A South African professional foul gave the home side a 1-man advantage and their opponents quickly took the lead and eventually the match, 25-17.
Despite the win, Australia again showed their major weaknesses: lack of focus early in the match and an underpowered scrum. Both of these deficiencies require solid solutions if the Wallabies are to have any chance at hoisting the Web Ellis Cup at RWC 2007.
In addition, an 8-point margin over the Springbok so-called ’second-string’ line is hardly anything to get excited about and is a testament to the depth of the rugby program in South Africa. If you remember that post-apartheid South Africa came out of almost 30 years of international sporting isolation to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the depth of the their rugby program doesn’t actually seem that surprising.
Jul 7th, 2007 | Test Rugby | No Comments | print
Well, it seems that the surprise defeat last week of the New Zealand All Blacks by the Australian Wallabies has resulted in most major media outlets all but handing a win to the home team in Sydney tomorrow against the visiting South African Springboks. In addition to Australia’s confidence-building match last week, the South African’s are sending their second XV and resting their top 20 players.
Those of you who know me are aware of my penchant for the underdogs, so naturally I am counting on the Springboks to show the depth of their rugby program. But it’s more than that.
I see a tired, (over)confident group of banged-up veterans in yellow jumpers (Australia) taking the field against a crew of guys in green (South Africa) who have nothing to lose, are not as battle-weary and know that a great performance could land them a spot at the big dance in France in the fall.
I don’t think it will be easy, but if the ball bounces right and the rugby gods are shining down, look for the Springboks to take the lead in the Tri-nations tables tomorrow.
Jun 30th, 2007 | Test Rugby | 4 Comments | print
As I’ve discussed previously, the New Zealand All Blacks have begun to show signs of trouble that are no doubt worrying to their countrymen and fans alike as the 2007 Rugby World Cup approaches. Today, the Australian Wallabies officially exposed the All Black weaknesses as they captured a come-from-behind win in Melbourne and snapped a 5-match losing streak against their opponents (BBC, Reuters).
In typical fashion, the All Blacks started the match with extreme prejudice and hammered the ball over the try line to take the lead early on. However, numerous errors by both teams resulted in spastic play and collared the half-time score to just 15-6 for the visitors. In particular, All Black fly-half Dan Carter continued his growing habit of poor penalty kicking and extended his errors by putting at least 2 kicks into touch ‘on-the-full’.
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Jun 25th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | No Comments | print
Australian rugby officials are in an uproar over a recent decision by the Springboks to rest their top 21 players for the Tri-Nations test match in Sydney on July 7, 2007. Australia have gone so far as to suggest cancelling the match, though contractual obligations make that unlikely.
New Zealand, the other member of SANZAR (the partnership body of the South African Rugby Union, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and the Australian Rugby Union which jointly owns the rights to the Super 14 and Tri Nations) have joined Australia in their demand for an explanation and, presumably, a change in the roster. New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs summed up their position very clearly.
“We’re talking about the integrity and meaningfulness of international rugby. It’s critical; it’s the very heart and soul of our game…”
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