Almanac Rugby: Week 1 of the Rugby Championship

Springboks 26 All Blacks 10

Wallabies 41 Los Pumas 25

 

 

Going into the first round of the Rugby Championship most of the chatter was about the All Blacks. They looked pedestrian in their series loss to Ireland at home in July, so many questioned whether they could challenge the current World Cup holders in, effectively, a two-test series to open the RC.

 

Their worst loss to the ‘Boks in over 90 years was the response. Here’s another one for the record books they will be reeling from – their first ever run of three losses with double-digit losing margins. It’s now officially panic stations at ABHQ.

 

The Wallabies, on the other hand, showed remarkable character in overcoming a nine-point halftime deficit in a sterling team performance. They did an ever bigger about-face a few years back when Michael Cheika was coach. This time round, he was on the receiving end. He is clearly having a positive impact on Los Pumas. Their series win against Scotland has a lengthy highlights reel of champagne rugby. In this opening salvo of the RC, however, the wily Dave Rennie got one over his predecessor.

 

Expanding on the respective games in a bit more detail, the Springboks looked every bit like the reigning world champions. Their pressure on the ABs was intense from the kickoff. They have become a far more rampaging, roll-the-dice team under Jacques Nienaber. Unafraid to take the game on anywhere on the ground, this new-look SA team wants to disrupt and discombobulate their opposition. The men in black never settled.

 

The new boy on the block, Kurt-Lee Arendse, scored the only try of the first half. He slotted into test rugby like well-worn slippers. He read the play well and was just as effective in defence as he was with ball in hand. That’s always a good sign for a newbie.

 

At the other end of the spectrum, the battle-hardened hooker, Malcolm Marx, was best afield with his top-shelf scrummaging, running, and breakdown work. With consistent contributions across the squad, the ‘Boks are poised for big things.

 

The All Blacks, on the other hand, were feckless. There didn’t seem to be a game plan fit for purpose. Every attacking sortie was flaccid and easily repelled. Their woes run deep at the moment.

 

Better news for Aussie fans. Our boys were outplayed in the first half but a different version of the green and gold came out of the sheds going the other way. A post-siren try secured a bonus point with the score sheet showing a commanding five try to two performance.

 

Quade Cooper went down early with a ruptured Achilles heel, so we may not see him on the pitch again. Our iconic skipper, Michael Hooper, took personal leave on the eve of the game but the team sheet was juggled and his absence was hardly noted.

 

The ability of the Wallabies to seize control of a game later than normal is becoming a welcome aspect of the Dave Rennie playbook. There are ongoing concerns about key positional spots, but Rennie’s methodical invocation of his game style seems to be papering over those cracks.

 

With the new RC schedule, both South Africa and Argentina host again next weekend. The All Blacks must salvage their reputation or risk a reckoning with potentially severe repercussions. The Wallabies are in a good position. Both hosts can look forward to giving their fans another round of entertainment. The scene is set.

 

 

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

 

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