Super rugby was back in action following the June Tests, but many rugby fans will be looking towards the new Four Nations (i.e. the Rugby Championship) between New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and new comers Argentina.
While the tournament may be new in format and participants, following the June Tests some old trends appear set to be continued.
While travel requirements have been evened out somewhat with the Australians and Kiwis needing now to fly to Argentina and with South Africa for once in the advantageous position of being in the middle, the All Blacks are favourites to win the new competition by some distance.
While the Springboks passed their first test by beating England in the series, their third Test performance was dire, with Morne Styen’s kicking being the target of irate fans in Port Elizabeth. Heyneke Meyer may or may not make changes (probably the latter), but compared to the way New Zealand beat Ireland, gutsing out a second Test win in between two hammerings, the Springboks are light years behind their greatest rivals.
The Wallabies were able to count on that Australian trait of big match temperament in beating Wales, who led two Tests going into the last 10 minutes only to be pipped at the post by Mike Harris first, then new dad Berrick Barnes. If Argentina believe there is one team vulnerable, especially when they travel to South America, the Wallabies would probably be it.
Very much built in a South African mould in the way they play with the odd French touch, the Pumas are going to make it very tough going for both South Africa and Australia. New Zealand have the durability and tacitical flexibility to ensure they shouldn’t be troubled by the Pumas too much.
The All Blacks now have two high-class options in nearly all positions, with the emergence of Aaron Cruden putting the heat on Daniel Carter. With Carter fighting injury approaching the Four Nations, Cruden is chomping at the bit to steal his mentor’s thunder. Sonny Bill Williams, probably heading back to rugby league at the end of the season, has displaced Ma’a Nonu, and in Julian Savia the All Blacks have continued to add to their depth on the wing. Up front they have the likes of Tony Woodcock, the Franks brothers and hookers Anton Olivier and Kevin Mealamu when he returns from injury to anchor the scrum.
Lock is the one position where they are still feeling out some options but Sam Whitelock is now an established international in the Victor Matfield-mould and Brodie Retallick appears to be a long term candidate for the missed and world class Brad Thorn. Victor Vito, Liam Messam, Adam Thompson, Richie McCaw and Sam Cane offer versatility in the loose, while Israel Dagg is slowly recapturing the form that has made him one of the most feared attacking fullbacks in the world game.
Unless the Springboks and Wallabies buckle down, the All Blacks could inflict some painful losses on their old foes. For Argentina, expectations will be low considering this is their tournament debut versus their Southern Hemisphere peers, but with a pack primarily forged in the battle grounds of France and other European leagues, they will be tough team to beat at home. Established powers beware.
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