Weekend Round Up: The Southern Hemisphere Strikes Back
Last weekend, touring northern hemisphere sides were - mostly - on top. This weekend, things were very, very different - but no less thrilling
Australia vs Italy
Anyone who takes a look at the final score, and recalls the two teams' records against each other would think this was a foregone conclusion that was really not worth a second glance. That would be a mistake, even though - early in the second half - a 15-point gap suggested otherwise. With 13 minutes to go, that lead had been trimmed to just one point - and things were just a little tense...
New Zealand vs Lions
Despite the pre-match hype, only the die-hardest of Lions fans would have seriously suggested the result of the opening Test at Eden Park was ever in doubt. But forget the result. This was one of the great Test matches of recent years. And that try. So settle down and watch this truly epic match again. And again. And again. Then invite round anyone you know who thinks rugby is boring. And watch it once more.
South Africa vs France
Here's a random fact. Coming into this game, France had a 100% record against South Africa at Ellis Park - or whatever hellish name it officially goes by now after the naming rights were sold. But the Springboks had already won the three-match series, their dander was up, and they had their eyes on a whitewash. What followed would not win new fans to the game, but home fans will take the confidence-boost ahead of the rather more serious Rugby Championship. France, on the other hand...
Argentina vs Georgia
This was a game Argentina had to win, after five defeats on the bounce. They dutifully did - but gave up 14 unanswered points in the final quarter when they really should have been accelerating away. And the way their scrum gave ground was very unArgentinian. Plenty for the coaching team to consider going into the Rugby Championship.
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I still see nothing in Sotutus play that hes changed his upright running style that failed so many times against decent international defences like the french. Other than that… Iose? Well you have covered his limitations well. If Sititi had been playing the the season… Jacobson? Grace?…Neither shout pick me. So Ardie it is.
Go to commentsThere isn’t one element you mentioned there that every top class or successful team gets up to. The great All blacks sides used to play on the ‘fringes or edge’ but it was essentially saying they were doing something illegal or borderline to gain dominance. The fine margins at the top are minute between the top sides. La Rochelle, the crusaders, Saracens, Toulon etc etc…..have all been accused. Get over it, the comment comes across as salty and naive. Northampton as well as they played to get back into the match were thoroughly beaten and controlled for 60 minutes and Leinster have only themselves to blame for kicking it away and hence losing control of the match and being nearly the architects of their own downfall.
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