In a shortened version of The Rugby Championship, the 2 losers of Round 1 are practically in last chance saloon while victories for Round 1’s winners would set up a winner-takes-all Bledisloe Cup clash in Round 3.
It makes for a must-see weekend of action.
Springboks vs All Blacks:
It’s been 6 years since South Africa managed back-to-back wins over New Zealand and Saturday’s clash between the world’s top 2 teams represents an important chance to lay down a marker.
Last year’s last-minute victory for the Springboks in Johannesburg – only their 2nd win over the All Blacks since 2009 – ended a 3-year losing streak against their great rivals.
Self belief can be an elusive thing and that result was a massive mental boost for the Springboks in their quest to regain the Rugby World Cup title, but it will mean very little if they can’t repeat the feat this weekend.
Much of this week’s build up has been focused on the playing personnel. Given the experimental nature of certain selections, it’s impossible to look at the match from any other perspective other than the road to the Rugby World Cup.
Indeed, under no other circumstances would the All Blacks pick a rookie flyhalf when they have 3 other perfectly fit, world-class playmakers at their disposal. Lima Sopoaga’s fantastic Super Rugby season earned him a crack at the black No 10 jersey, but throwing him into the deep end in a Test against the Springboks at Emirates Airlines Park is as deep as it gets and is a very bold move.
Likewise, starting with a flanker who has only played a handful of games this year when facing the world’s No 1 ranked team can only be described as a gamble. Heyneke Meyer admitted as much.
One must also question why Heyneke has waited this long to roll the dice with Heinrich Brüssow. The answer lies in the injury to Duane Vermeulen and the subsequent loss of his outstanding skills on the deck. Starting with 2 scavenging opensiders is a significant departure from the previous strategy of using a bruising ball carrier like Willem Alberts on the blindside.
Although it seems a bit late to be redesigning game plans, the extra speed and mobility that this new-look Springbok loose trio brings will be key to addressing the threat posed by Aaron Smith, who, if given half a chance, has the ability to dictate proceedings.
None of these experimental selections alter the fact that at the root of the rivalry between these sides lies a contrast in philosophies.
It was interesting to note this week that while Steve Hansen was calling for a change to the laws around mauls to prevent teams like Argentina building strategies around simply kicking to the corners for lineout drives, Meyer was lamenting his side’s poor tactical kicking in Brisbane.
Meyer insists that the All Blacks kick as much, if not more, than his team but the stats from Round 1 of The Rugby Championship tell a different story and point to the Kiwis’ greater ability to adapt their game.
The All Blacks, wary of Los Pumas’ set-piece strength, kicked from hand just 11 times in their win over Los Pumas. By contrast, the Springboks chose to use the boot 27 times, despite the fact that they had 1 of the world’s best counter attacking fullbacks waiting to collect their bombs.
That is not to say Saturday’s visitors will not use their excellent kicking game to seek territory, but it will not be their default course of action. And it will certainly not be predictable.
That said, the Springboks do have the tools to beat the All Blacks. With Bismarck du Plessis an additional threat at the breakdown, the hosts have the capacity to gain the lion’s share of possession. But if Handré Pollard, Ruan Pienaar and Willie le Roux cheaply give it back to the All Blacks back 3, there can be only 1 result and the Jo’burg crowd won’t like it.
As always in these clashes, the game is likely to be decided in the final quarter, when the All Blacks’ superior fitness has often proven to be the difference. The Springbok bench does not hold a huge amount of experience but home-town boys Warren Whiteley and debutant Lionel Mapoe will hope to make an impact, as will rookie prop Vincent Koch.
Having already lost their opening game and yearning that aforementioned self confidence, there is a lot more riding on this game for the Springboks than their visitors, who will feel far less pressure but will have no less motivation.
Team news:
Heinrich Brüssow will make his 1st start for the Springboks since the 2011 Rugby World Cup, on the openside flank, moving Francois Louw to the other side of the scrum, where he takes over from the injured Marcell Coetzee. In an enforced change, Cornal Hendricks starts on the wing in the place of JP Pietersen, giving Lionel Mapoe a chance off the bench. Fellow debutant Vincent Koch is 1 of 5 changes to the bench.
Lima Sopoaga and James Broadhurst will make their All Black debuts at flyhalf and lock respectively, as they take over from Dan Carter and Luke Romano in a total of 7 changes to the All Blacks starting line-up. Dane Coles returns at hooker, with Liam Messam at blindside flanker. Aaron Smith is back at scrumhalf, while Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith are reunited in midfield. Ben Smith is on the right wing as Julian Savea dropped out after an asthma attack during training.
Players to watch:
Springboks: There aren’t many players in history who can boast a 100% win record against the All Blacks, but Heinrich Brüssow can, with 4 victories from his 4 matches against the World Champions. After 4 years in the international wilderness and having played just 6 Super Rugby games this year, his selection is the subject of hot debate but his poaching skills at the breakdown are undeniable. Having slimmed down during his stint in Japan, the Cheetahs flank is faster than ever. His battle with Richie McCaw is set to be a highlight.
All Blacks: Flyhalf Lima Sopoaga faces a baptism of fire. The Highlanders pivot played a massively influential role in his team’s Super Rugby title winning campaign, with his accurate kicking – both from hand and from the tee – and has his strength in playing flat to the defensive line. But Test rugby is a step up. He will, however, have the luxury of playing outside his franchise halfback partner and inside a very experience midfield duo. If he has the nerves to deal with the big time, he could be a joker in the All Blacks pack – if not now, then certainly in the future.
Head-to-head:
Securing quality possession will not only be the responsibility of the loose forwards but also the tight 5 and the battle between debutant James Broadhurst and Lood de Jager will be intense. De Jager was impressive when he came off the bench to replace Victor Matfield last week and he will need to back up that performance in the absence of the Springbok lineout mastermind. Broadhurst has had a fantastic Super Rugby season and is the kind of lock New Zealand has “been waiting for” according to Hansen. the Springboks have normally enjoyed the edge in the lock battle, that may not necessarily be the case on Saturday.
Form:
The All Blacks started their campaign with a resounding win against Argentina but are yet to put in a true 80-minute performance this season. By their own remarkably high standards, they were lacklustre against Samoa in a 1-off Test which warmed them up for The Rugby Championship. The hit out in Apia certainly did the trick however, as they blew the Pumas away inside an hour at Christchurch last Friday. But a spirited comeback from the visitors exposed some frailties in the All Blacks that will be a focal point of the Springbok homework this week.
The Springboks followed a comfortable exhibition victory over a World XV team with an injury time defeat against the Wallabies last Saturday. The Springboks built a sizeable lead in the game but faded badly as they lost a number of forwards to injury, while a decision to change their entire front row at once, with 30 minutes still left to play, seemingly backfired as they endured a torrid time in the scrum in the dying stages.
The last time they met:
A rare All Blacks defeat occurred the last time these great rivals clashed in October. The 2 nations could not be split in terms of tries scored (3 apiece). This was also the case in their meeting in New Zealand last September (1 apiece) – a sign of how well matched these 2 teams are at the moment.
As you may expect from a match that produced 6 tries, both sides had plenty of attacking opportunities. New Zealand made 15 clean breaks to South Africa’s 10 but a 4 try eluded them, perhaps due to 19 turnovers conceded, 6 more than the Springboks.
Where it will be won:
A late collapse against the Wallabies may well be playing on South Africa’s minds and a very competent All Blacks scrum may well be a game-breaker, should this game be settled late on. Despite conceding 3 tries against the Wallabies, the Springboks defended magnificently for long periods at Suncorp Stadium and have proved before that they can soak up pressure when taking on the world’s No 1-ranked side.
Previous results:
- 2014: South Africa won 27 / 25 at Ellis Park (Emirates Airline Park), Johannesburg
- 2014: New Zealand won 14 / 10 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
- 2013: New Zealand won 32 / 16 at Eden Park, Auckand
- 2012: New Zealand won 32 / 16 at Soccer City, Johannesburg
- 2012: New Zealand won 21 / 11 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
- 2011: South Africa won 18 / 5 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
- 2011: New Zealand won 40 / 7 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
- 2010: New Zealand won 29 / 22 at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- 2010: New Zealand won 31 / 17 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
- 2010: New Zealand won 32 / 12 at Eden Park, Auckland
- 2009: South Africa won 32 / 29 at Rugby Park, Hamilton
- 2009: South Africa won 31 / 19 at ABSA Stadium, Durban
- 2009: South Africa won 28 / 19 at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein
- 2008: New Zealand won 19 / 0 at Newlands
- 2008: South Africa won 30 / 28 at Carisbrook, Dunedin
- 2008: New Zealand won 19 / 8 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Teams:
Springboks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Schalk Burger (Captain), 7 Francois Louw, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Flip van der Merwe, 20 Warren Whiteley, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 Lionel Mapoe.
All Blacks: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Charles Piutau, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Captain), 6 Liam Messsam, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Victor Vito, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Malakai Fekitoa
Date: Saturday 25 July
Venue: Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park), Johannesburg
Kick-Off: 17:05 SA Time (15:05 GMT, 12:05 Arg Time, Sunday 01:05 AEST, Sunday 03:05 NZ Time)
Weather: 14°C at kick-off. 60% chance of thunderstorms
Referee: Jérôme Garcès
Assistant Referees: Romain Poite, Leighton Hodges
TMO: Graham Hughes
Los Pumas vs Wallabies:
The Wallabies do not want a repeat of last year’s trip to Mendoza when they clash with Argentina on Saturday, at the same venue, in Round 2 of The Rugby Championship.
The Wallabies will instead hope to build on the momentum created by a dramatic triumph over the Springboks when a try by centre Tevita Kuridrani after the siren signaling full-time had already sounded, earned the Wallabies a 24 / 20 win against the Springboks in Brisbane last Saturday.
Victory for an Australian side that trailed by 13 points during the 2nd-half came a day after title-holders, the New Zealand All Blacks overcame the Argentinian Pumas 39 / 18 in Christchurch in the other 1st Round match.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made 7 changes – 3 forced by injuries, for the match at the 40 000-seater Estadio Malvinas in Mendoza.
Injured centre Matt Giteau, wing Rob Horne and scrumhalf Will Genia are replaced by Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane and Nick Phipps respectively.
An additional backline change sees Bernard Foley recalled to the starting line-up at flyhalf in place of Quade Cooper.
In the pack, a good showing by tighthead prop Greg Holmes, when he came on as a replacement against the Springboks, earns him a start, with Sekope Kepu dropping to the bench.
David Pocock takes over from fellow flank Michael Hooper and Ben McCalman has been picked at No 8 ahead of Scott Higginbotham.
Apart from the injury-induced changes, some are rotational and others are form related, with Higginbotham failing to replicate last weekend with his many outstanding Super Rugby displays.
“We are fortunate with the level of depth in the squad,” said Cheika, who steered the Waratahs to the 2014 Super Rugby title.
“All those promoted to the starting line-up against the Pumas are there on merit and have opportunities to build on what we achieved last weekend.
“We have fine playmakers in Bernard and Quade and both can make an enormous impact.”
Cooper is among the 8 replacements. Another substitute, utility back Kurtley Beale, will win his 50th cap if he comes on.
Cheika believes it will take a 23-man effort to avenge a 17 / 21 loss to Los Pumas last season in Mendoza, after the visitors built an early 14-point advantage.
“Argentina will provide a physical challenge and our reserves have significant roles to play.
“The bench got us home against the Springboks last weekend and I will be looking for an even greater impact from our replacements this Saturday,” stressed Cheika.
Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade has also made 7 changes after a mixed outing against world champions, the All Blacks.
He will have been encouraged by the pack power that created 2 driving-maul tries for hooker and skipper Agustin Creevy, but leading 2014 Rugby Championship points scorer Nicolas Sanchez flopped at flyhalf.
Sanchez gets a chance to redeem himself against the Wallabies and Santiago Cordero, switched from left wing to fullback, is the only other back to survive.
Out go injured fullback Joaquin Tuculet, right wing Horacio Agulla, centres Marcelo Bosch and Jeronimo de la Fuente, as well as scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli.
And in come wings Gonzalo Camacho and Juan Imhoff, centres Matias Moroni and Juan Pablo Socino and scrumhalf Martin Landajo.
Forward changes see lock Tomas Lavanini and flank Javier Ortega Desio replace Guido Petti Pagadizabal and Juan Manuel Leguizamon.
The Wallabies and Los Pumas have met 23 times since 1979, with the Wallabies winning 17 and the Pumas 5. The biggest victory by the Pumas was 18 / 3 in 1983 at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane.
Tradition is against the Pumas, as they have not achieved successive victories against the Wallabies since their 1st meeting 36 years ago.
Players to watch:
Wallabies: Forget the Aussie tight 5, look no further than the ball-poacher David Pocock who will be vital at the breakdown. The halfback combination of Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps will hope to reproduce their Super Rugby form and outplay the sidelined Reds halfback duo. The highly rated Matt Toomua brings pace, power and skill to the backline, beefing up the midfield. You can never overlook Israel Folau and he will capitalise on any miss-directed kicks with his powerful running game.
Los Pumas: Agustin Creevy will want to replicate what he did last week, with hard running and hopefully a couple of 5-pointers. Javier Ortega Desio certainly made an impact from the bench last week and he must be abrasive from the get-go this time, as should loose forward partner Facunda Isa who is yet to live up to his European name on the international scene. Skilful flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez will definitely want to right the wrongs from his dismal display against the All Blacks and produce a performance we all know he is capable of. Keep your eyes on the gasman Juan Imhoff – the Racing Metro wing should spark some much needed pace into the Pumas offense.
Head to head:
A mouth-watering battle will be in the engine room – the highly rated Argentine tight-5 up against the renowned weak Wallaby tight-5. Agustin Creevy and his props will definitely want to expose any cracks in that Wallaby front row. The ruck battle will be key, where Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Javier Ortega Desio will both have their work cut out to handle just 1 individual – David Pocock. 2 Live-wire scrumhalves will battle it out and hope to provide crisp service to their flyhalves where the spotlight will be on Nicolas Sanchez and Bernard Foley – similar players that possess a wealth of skill and are astute distributors.
Form:
Argentina put up a brave fight against the All Blacks in the tournament opener, but were ultimately outclassed for long periods. In contrast, the Wallabies toiled and toiled against the Springboks for long periods with little reward, until a late purple patch saw them snatch a terrific come-from-behind victory.
The last time they met:
Los Pumas secured a historic 1st victory in this tournament in October. This was made all the more impressive by the fact they trailed at halftime (8 / 14), eventually winning 21 / 17. Both sides scored 2 tries apiece but a penalty count that read 9 / 16, in favour of the home side, ultimately cost the Wallabies. The men in gold also suffered at scrum time, as they so often have, losing 2 of 7 while the Pumas won all 5 of their put-ins.
Where it will be won:
The Pumas suffered badly at the hands of the All Blacks scrum, though their lineout was impeccable (13 won from 13 throws) and conjured 2 tries. The Wallabies scrum has often been their Achilles heel in the last few seasons, though signs of a rebirth in this facet of the game were apparent against the Springboks. 2 Of Australia’s tries also originated with lineout ball and expect both sides to launch the ball into the corner whenever possible. The Wallabies will look to release their pacy backs as much as possible in a bid to emulate what the All Blacks did to the Pumas, but at home Los Pumas will attempt to dictate this game through the forwards and starve the Wallaby ball players of quality possession.
Previous results:
- 2014: Argentina won 21 / 17, Mendoza
- 2014: Australia won 32 / 25, Gold Coast
- 2013: Australia won 54 / 17, Rosario
- 2013: Australia won 14 / 13, Perth
- 2012: Australia won 25 / 19, Rosario
- 2012: Australia won 23 / 19, Gold Coast
- 2003: Australia won 24 / 8, Sydney
- 2002: Australia won 17 / 6, Buenos Aires
- 2000: Australia won 32 / 25, Canberra
- 2000: Australia won 53 / 6, Brisbane
- 1997: Argentina won 18 / 16, Buenos Aires
Teams:
Wallabies: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Stephen Moore (Captain), 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Dean Mumm, 20 Michael Hooper, 21 Nic White, 22 Quade Cooper, 23 Kurtley Beale.
Los Pumas: 15 Santiago Cordero, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Juan Pablo Socino, 11 Juan Imhoff, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Martin Landajo, 8 Facundo Isa, 7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 6 Javier Ortega Desio, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy (Captain), 1 Marcos Ayerza
Replacements: 16 Santiago Iglesias Valdez, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Matias Diaz, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Tomas Cubelli, 22 Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
Date: Saturday 25 July
Venue: Estadio Malvinas, Mendoza
Kick-Off: Sunday 00:40 SA Time (19:40 Arg Time, 22:40 GMT, Sunday 08:40 AEST, Sunday 10:40 NZ Time)
Expected Weather: Clear skies and a mild 19 deg C – perfect conditions.
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Stuart Berry (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)