A week to go and for two of the four teams, it’s one Saturday that will tell us if they are indeed on the right track to redemption after an average two seasons post-World Cup.
First, defending champions the All Blacks host the Argentine Pumas in New Plymouth but it’s the following game in Perth between the Wallabies and the Springboks that is more significant with regards to how they move forward as proud rugby nations.
The Wallabies were hammered 54-34 by the All Blacks in Sydney two weeks ago but in going down fighting they showed that there is hope yet in Australian rugby.
Their performance in the return game in Dunedin last week was even better, in a game they could have won had they showed better composure and tactical know-how. They have the players, especially in the backline, who can break open a defence but cannot be a real threat across the park over 80 minutes with a forward pack that is sent backpedalling in the scrums, the way the All Blacks punished them in Dunedin.
But one game doesn’t define what you are and if they are to convince everyone that they have the players, the hunger and skills to be up there with the best, the Wallabies will have to turn up and get the better of the Springbok, who they have beaten at home in four of five home games in this competition.
Perth has not been a happy venue for the Springboks who lost there in 2012 and again in 2014. The latter game however was close, with only one point separating the teams.
The results between the teams last year were even, each winning the home fixture.
However, despite the encouraging signs from their first two games, the Wallabies may not find Perth a stroll in the park because the Springboks too want to convince themselves, and the rest of the world, that they too are on the road to redemption after a 2016 which saw them lose eight of 12 Tests.
In the five Tests they have played this year, one weakness of the Wallabies has been their lack of consistency but their game in Dunedin is proof that they have the players, especially in the backline, to match the best in the world. Just like the All Blacks, the Wallabies will punish any team that turns over possession but the results so far and how they played leaned towards a lack of confidence and perhaps, weaknesses in their preparations.
Their coach Michael Cheika hasn’t had the best of times either and in recent weeks has come under much criticism, including from former star Wallabies, first for the defensive frailties in the opening game in Sydney and the following week for his reactions to refereeing decisions in the return game.
The Springboks have been more consistent this year and have shown a willingness to run more with ball in hand than previous Springboks teams but their two comfortable wins over the Pumas in the championship cannot be a good yardstick because the Pumas have been below their best since the last World Cup. In fact it is fair to say their rugby has been going down slowly and surely.
Having to play the All Blacks next week after the two losses to the Springboks isn’t ideal and another defeat, especially by a big margin, should set the alarm bells ringing in Buenos Aires.
After Perth the Springboks travel to play the All Blacks and regardless of the outcome of their game against the Wallabies, the one against the defending champions is exactly what they need to gauge how far they have progressed.
While sad to say farewell to the late legendary and iconic Sir Colin “Pinetree” Meads, New Zealand rugby also celebrated the success of their women’s team, the Black Ferns, in winning the World Cup after beating defending champions England.
The All Blacks will not have Ben Smith for the rest of this year as he goes on sabbatical to allow his body to have a good rest ahead of the next World Cup in two years’ time, similar to the sabbatical given to former captain Richie McCaw and flyhalf Dan Carter.
This should open the door for the return of Israel Dagg but this may not be the case yet for flanker Jerome Kaino, who’s dealing with the issue of an extra-marital affair.