The Rugby Championship returns this weekend, with the World Cup winning All Blacks travelling to Sydney to take on an Australia team who were humbled by England just a couple of months ago. The other two teams taking part are South Africa and Argentina. Let’s look at how they’re shaping up.
New Zealand
The World Cup winners lost over 600 caps of experience after their victory last autumn, but they showed over Wales that they’ve already moved on. They were mightily impressive against the Welsh, outplaying them in every facet of the game, but they did show some frailties. The centres are an issue of contention, following Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith’s retirement after the World Cup and Sonny Bill Williams’ injury at the Olympics. Having said that, their Super Rugby teams were dominant in this season’s competition and it’s hard to see past them winning this year’s competition.
Odds on winning the Rugby Championship: 2/5
Australia
Australia are the most likely of the other three teams to dethrone the All Blacks, following on from their defeat in the World Cup final last year. They lost their series with England earlier this year, but they were without their French-based players, who are set to return for this tournament. David Pocock, who suffered a series ending injury in the first game against England is fully fit for the Championship. But all eyes will be on Matt Giteau who was clearly missed earlier on in the summer. It’s easy to write them off after their defeats to England, but they’re still a good side and won’t be underestimated.
Odds on winning the Rugby Championship: 9/2
South Africa
This will be Alastair Coetzee’s first venture into the Rugby Championship as coach and he could find it quite difficult. The South Africans have a good side, led by the second row pairing of Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth, but some of their more experienced players called it a day after the World Cup. The Lions made the Super Rugby final though, with many of their players expected to feature for the Springboks over the next few weeks. They’ll rely on their forward dominance, but they’ll need more in the backs if they’re to compete with the All Blacks
Odds on winning the Rugby Championship: 9/2
Argentina
Argentina showed in both last year’s Rugby Championship and the World Cup that they’re capable of winning games and beating the big teams. Despite Los Jaguares having a difficult Super Rugby season, the players will have benefitted from the experience. All of the Argentinian international players now play Super Rugby and their frequent exposure to this level of competition will only enhance their ability. They’re led by Augustin Creevy who’s a world class player and they’re not lacking in experience around the pitch.
Odds on winning the Rugby Championship: 55/1